Health Services Union placed in administration amid Diana Asmar ‘ghost payments’ claims

The embattled Health Services Union has been placed into administration in a move that will see the removal of controversial boss Diana Asmar, who is facing a Fair Work Commission case over allegations of financial impropriety.

Diana Asmar is accused of authorising more than $2.7m in “ghost payments” to a printing business as well as falsely claiming more than $120,000 in reimbursements.

The embattled Health Services Union has been placed into administration in a move that will see the removal of controversial union boss Diana Asmar.

Ms Asmar is facing a Fair Work Commission case over allegations of financial impropriety including the alleged misappropriation of union funds.

The Commission has accused Ms Asmar of authorising more than $2.7m in “ghost payments” to a printing business as well as falsely claiming more than $120,000 in reimbursements.

Ms Asmar’s husband David is also listed as a respondent in the case.

Diana Asmar will be removed from the Health Services Union.

On Wednesday the Federal Court declared the union had ceased to function effectively under Ms Asmar’s control and appointed administrators to take over the running of the Victorian branch.

HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams said the move would allow the implementation of necessary reforms and restructures.

“We are extremely happy with the outcome today,” he said.

“It delivers exactly what we sought to achieve. We look forward to the HWU Branch being reformed and becoming a strong Branch that puts its members first and foremost.

“We encourage eligible workers to join The Branch knowing that The Branch and its funds are now in very safe and capable hands.

“The Fair Work Commission’s prosecution of Ms Asmar and others proceeds unchanged, and we remain steadfast in our support of authorities pursuing these serious charges.”