Retiring independent MP Russell Northe has faced court after being charged with dozens of offences by Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog for alleged misconduct and creating false documents.
Northe, 56, appeared at Latrobe Magistrates Court on Monday over 45 Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) charges, allegedly committed between 2019 and 2020.
The charges include misconduct in public office, making false documents, using false documents and providing an annual return to the Victorian Electoral Commission with false or misleading material.
IBAC alleges Northe gave auditors false documents about recruiting administration assistants and purchasing office equipment, including a printer worth almost $6000, according to court documents.
He is accused of creating and using fake lease and bond documents about an office rental in Traralgon.
He also allegedly made false documents purporting to be the director of Workforce XS in Traralgon, a labour hire firm, for the provision of administration staff to be paid up to $43,000.
A member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Northe was elected in 2006 as a Nationals member for the seat of Morwell.
He left the Nationals and moved to the crossbench in 2017 amid mental illness and gambling issues.
He announced in July he would retire at the upcoming state election, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Northe will next face court in January 2023 for a committal mention.
