The psychiatrist for a former state MP facing 45 charges brought by Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog believes his client is unfit to stand trial.
Russell Northe is charged with falsifying and using documents while in public office between 2019 and 2020.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) charged Mr Northe in October last year following an investigation.
Mr Northe was summoned to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court for a committal mention today.
He did not appear in person and his case was adjourned pending psychiatric reports.
His lawyer, Mark Woods, presented the court with a preliminary report from Mr Northe's treating psychiatrist stating he was of the view the former MP "was not to stand trial".
Mr Northe is charged with one count of misconduct while in public office, 21 counts of making false documents, and 21 counts of using false documents.
IBAC has also charged him with providing an annual return containing false or misleading information.
Charges relate to office expenses
The charges relate to alleged offending in 2019 and 2020 with IBAC alleging Mr Northe tendered false reports to the Victorian Electoral Commission in a bid to avoid repaying debts.
IBAC alleges Mr Northe falsified and used documents in relation to leasing an office, hiring staff, and purchasing a printer.
The court heard the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, also known as Forensicare, would likely be engaged to determine Mr Northe's suitability to stand trial.
Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Edwina Dane told the court if Forensicare became involved, the matter would be taken out of the department's hands.
"It's not something the Crown has control over, they are an independent organisation, essentially their jurisdiction is not enlightened without that," Ms Dane said.
The matter was adjourned until March 10 while a further psychiatrist's report is prepared.
National turned independent
Mr Northe held the seat of Morwell in Victoria's east from 2006 to 2022, first as a member of the National Party and later as an independent.
He briefly served as energy minister and minister for small business in the Napthine Coalition government ahead of the 2014 state election.
In 2017, Mr Northe resigned from the National Party and made public his struggles with depression and gambling addiction and subsequently took two leaves of absence.
His addiction left him with significant debts but, despite his personal issues, he was re-elected as an independent the following year.
