Former Morwell MP Jailed for Gambling $170,000 of Taxpayer Funds

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Ex-member of parliament for Morwell, Russell Northe, has found himself currently incarcerated, as repercussions of gambling away a staggering amount of more than $170,000 in taxpayer capital.

Northe, aged 57, served from 2006 till just last year, and is now being held accountable for his actions with a 21-month sentence handed down by the County Court. The judgment was delivered despite notable concerns regarding his mental health stability.


The initial charges against Northe were filed in September of the preceding year, following rigorous investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) into his misuse of monetary resources designated for the administration of his electoral office.

Eventually, a year later, he accepted the reality of his two counts of misconduct while in public office, which took place during the period of 2019 and 2020.

Initially winning a seat in the parliament under the banner of the Nationals in 2006, Northe detached himself from the party in 2017 citing mental health tribulations. However, his political career continued, and he managed to secure his position as an independent the following year. Upon re-election, he was granted Victorian Electoral Commission funds to cover various political expenses.

Abusing his power, Northe forged invoices and financial statements, falsely claiming $173,400 in fabricated expenses related to rent, staff wages, and office equipment spanning two full years.

Instead of utilizing these funds as intended, he channelled the significant sum into his Tabcorp and Ladbroke accounts, only to fritter away the money on unsuccessful bets.

The court heard about Northe’s staggering accumulated debts of $400,000, a direct result of his gambling addiction — a habit fueled by his struggle with social isolation and alcoholism, intensified by the lack of his family’s presence.

In the year 2019, Northe on record made a staggering total of more than 3,400 wagers on Tabcorp, resulting in a net loss of $180,841.42.

During sentencing, Judge Michael McInerney termed the offences as “sophisticated, protracted and brazen”..

He speculated the misdemeanours may have begun while Northe was serving as an elected member of the parliament, initially in 2006. Isolation from his family was cited as a probable contributor to his disruptive behaviour, where Northe was seen grappling with his responsibilities as a husband, father, and a member of the parliament.

While references painted a picture of Northe as an “industrious and excellent” member of parliament, the sentiments of “guilt and shame” for his actions were detectable.

Despite pleas from his representative Christin Tom to consider Northe’s “significant effects” on his mental health, Judge McInerney ruled for him to serve 12 months imprisonment before becoming eligible for parole.

Interestingly, Northe’s story offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of gambling. Such hazards are far from absent online. We at the West Island Blog have compiled helpful and important information for those interested in participating in online casinos, Ms. Tom’s plea to consider her client’s significant mental health issues notwithstanding, Judge McInerney ruled Northe must first serve 12 months in prison before he is eligible parole.lvania next year. “Good luck Mr Northe,” he concluded.