Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen is confident his candidacy for the NSW Nationals is safe, despite claims of a threat of bankruptcy looming over his head.
An article published in the Sydney Morning Herald today says Mr Johnsen has failed to pay the family of his deceased business partner, Chris Walker, a 40% share of their mortgage broking practice - a sum to the tune of $302,000.
It claims Mr Walker's children have been left "distraught" since his death in 2011, and have threatened to take the matter to the Federal Court, seeking orders for Mr Johnsen's bankruptcy.
However, in a statement to 2NURFM News, Michael Johnsen says the article was based on incorrect information, and that an agreement has been reached with the Walker family.
"I can say without breaking a confidentiality clause is that a figure has been agreed by all the parties and everything is in place to finalise the matter in days," the statement read.
"Unfortunately the sale of businesses can be complicated, and many matters led to a reduction in the final realisation price that made the final settlement number reduce significantly."
Mr Johnsen went on to describe Mr Walker as more than a business partner, but a friend.
The Berejiklian government is thought to be counting on the MP's Upper Hunter re-election to remain in power come the March 2019 election.
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| Michael Johnsen MP. |
