Alleged scam has rocked the struggling organisation, which was already battling a cultural crisis

Multiple Ambulance Victoria employees have been accused of a major fraud that was uncovered with the help of covert keystroke monitoring and private investigators.

Six workers from Ambulance Victoria’s payroll department have been stood down over the alleged scam. Picture: Getty Images

Premier Jacinta Allan has called out “disgraceful behaviour” within Ambulance Victoria but says it is too early to consider appointing administrators to the beleaguered organisation.

Responding to fraud allegations exposed by the Herald Sun on Thursday, the Premier said she was awaiting the findings of an investigation into six workers who are alleged to have embezzled $3.5m from the emergency service.

Six workers from the agency’s payroll department have been stood down over the alleged scam, in which they claimed overtime for hours never worked.

The Herald Sun can reveal private investigators were called in to probe the matter after a whistleblower lifted the lid on the fraud last year.

As well as uncovering employees claiming fraudulent overtime, senior sources said the investigation uncovered workers not logging on to their computers during rostered shifts.

At the same time, covert keystroke monitoring detected them spending hours doing online shopping, with one worker caught visiting dozens of shopping sites during their shift.

The matter was initially referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, who sent it back to Ambulance Victoria (AV) for further investigation.

It is believed a formal investigation is nearing completion, at which point the matter is ­expected to be referred to Victoria Police.

Private investigators were called in to probe the matter after a whistleblower lifted the lid on the fraud. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m deeply concerned about the allegations of this disgraceful behaviour,” Ms Allan said.

“This alleged behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. It’s unacceptable in the public sector and private sector.”

Ms Allan, who said she only learned of the allegations on Wednesday, said she would await the findings of an investigation before outlining “what further action will no doubt need to be taken to deal with this behaviour”.

“Because I find this behaviour so unacceptable I don’t want to compromise the investigation by making any further comments that I might like to make,” she said.

“The focus of everyone in Ambulance Victoria should be … supporting the hard working paramedics who go out on the road 24 hours a day seven days a week to save people’s lives.”

Ms Allan said she had confidence in Ambulance Victoria, including its executive.

Premier Jacinta Allan says she has confidence in Ambulance Victoria. Picture: Getty Images

AV sources said the matter had rocked the struggling organisation, which was already battling a major cultural crisis.

It has also led to significant issues with the organisation’s ability to properly pay staff.

Another senior source said chief executive Jane Miller had learned of the issue shortly after taking the helm of the organisation last January.

They said she acted immediately to uncover the alleged scam, and was keen to have the matter investigated by IBAC.

“She’s inherited an absolute mess and is doing her best to clean it up,” they said.

It comes as union members are voting to move a no-confidence motion against the organisation’s executive, citing concerns about management of the service.

Paramedics and non-frontline staff are also in the midst of ongoing industrial action over long running negotiations for a new pay deal.

The ambulance union, which has rejected an offer of a 3 per cent salary increase and a $1800 lump sum payment at the end of each year of the agreement, has been fighting for more than a year for a better pay deal, improved end of shift management provisions so paramedics can finish their shift on time, and better rural resourcing.

They also want the introduction of shorter night shifts and improved staffing levels to manage resourcing, meal breaks and crew welfare.

Ms Miller wrote to staff this week to insist the executive was taking seriously concerns about the high levels of incidental overtime, ramping, fatigue and rostering challenges.

“We also recognise that negotiations to finalise a fair, sustainable enterprise agreement that addresses these issues and appropriately recognises your value have gone on for too long,” she wrote.

“When I started at AV in January last year, I gave you a commitment we would transform for better – and we are.

“Importantly, we continue to focus on cultural reform at AV … there is positive change happening at this great organisation and, by working together, we can make it even better.”

Opposition health spokeswoman, Georgie Crozier, said “under Labor, the chaos within Ambulance Victoria continues. This is not one rogue individual, it is multiple people caught up in this corruption that is having a direct impact on our hardworking paramedics who deserve to be paid accurately and on time. Premier Jacinta Allan must explain how this fraud was allowed to occur for so long and guarantee no more taxpayer money will be stolen under her watch.”

An AV spokeswoman said allegations of serious misconduct were raised with Ms Miller in early 2023.

“AV immediately referred the matter to IBAC and an internal investigation commenced,” she said.

“This investigation led to the suspension of six employees who have been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations, in line with routine practice.”