Health Services Union boss stood down by national executive amid investigation

Health union boss Diana Asmar has been suspended by the national body amid a probe into alleged impropriety, as calls grow for her to also be stood down by the union’s Victorian branch.

Health union boss Diana Asmar has been suspended, amid a probe into alleged impropriety.

Ms Asmar was on Tuesday stood down from the union’s national body after a meeting of the executive, where it was unanimously agreed she be suspended from her role as senior vice president until an investigation was complete.

“Today’s resolution follows the national executive requesting Diana Asmar stand aside from all union positions last Wednesday, a call that went unheeded,” the Health Services Union (HSU) said in a statement to the Herald Sun.

The national executive was calling on the union’s Victorian branch to also take action, and implement measures, “including standing aside Diana Asmar from her position as branch secretary, appointing an agreed administrator to manage branch affairs, and consenting to a comprehensive audit of the branch”, it said.

The HSU’s Diana Asmar has been stood down from the national body. Picture: Supplied

HSU national secretary Lloyd Williams said the union was deeply concerned by the allegations of impropriety against Ms Asmar, by the Fair Work Commission and in the media.

It has been reported the FWC and Victoria Police were part of a multi-agency investigation examining allegations that more than $3m in union funding was paid to printing firms for non-existent or “ghost” services.

“We take these matters extremely seriously and are waiting for the Fair Work Commission to promptly conclude its investigation and present its evidentiary findings,” Mr Williams said.

“The HSU has no tolerance for alleged misuse of union funds. Our decisions are informed by the need to protect the interests of our members, which is why we have stood Diana Asmar aside from her National Executive position and intend to persuade the Victoria No. 1 Branch Committee of management to follow a similar course.”

The national executive would explain its position to the Victorian committee and urge it to act, he said.

Ms Asmar. Picture: Supplied

It comes as an internal investigation is also ordered into allegations of harassment in another of the state’s biggest trade unions.

The Transport Workers Union’s Victorian branch secretary, Mem Suleyman, was stood down on Friday over allegations of harassment and financial misconduct.

Suleyman, the brother of Allan government Minister Natalie Suleyman, vehemently denies the allegations.

A spokesperson for the TWU National Committee of Management on Tuesday confirmed it had ordered the probe.

“Allegations of harassment were made against the Secretary of the Transport Workers Union Victoria/Tasmania branch on Friday afternoon, since then counter allegations have also been made,” the spokesperson said.

The TWU’s Mem Suleyman. Picture: Supplied

“Without passing comment on the veracity of the allegations, it has become clear that the working relationship between the branch Secretary and the Committee of Management has irretrievably broken down.

“The Transport Workers Union is deeply disappointed and concerned by these events.”

The National Committee of Management has deployed its independent national ombudsman, retired Judge Frank Marks to Melbourne to conduct an investigation.

“While this is under way, the National Committee of Management is putting in place resources to ensure members continue to receive full and robust representation and advocacy,” the spokesperson said.