Victoria police probe Health Workers Union boss Diana Asmar over ‘ghost payment’ allegations

Victoria Police is investigating Health union boss Diana Asmar over claims that have prompted calls for her resignation from the role.

Victoria Police is investigating Health union boss Diana Asmar over allegations of financial impropriety.

The Herald Sun has confirmed police are actively investigating the claims that have prompted calls for Ms Asmar’s resignation as secretary of the Health Workers Union’s Victorian branch.

While it is understood she has not yet been contacted by police, at least one search warrant has been executed on a business premise linked to the allegations.

The criminal investigation, and potential laying of charges, could significantly derail an ongoing Fair Work Commission probe of the allegations.

Health Workers Union boss Diana Asmar is being investigated by police.

In the Federal Court on Tuesday lawyers for Ms Asmar said they would seek to stay the Fair Work Commission civil penalties case citing the potential criminal charges.

The Fair Work 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.

Ms Asmar was last month stood down from the union’s national body after a meeting of the executive.

The national executive has also called for the Victorian branch to stand Ms Asmar down.

Ms Asmar’s lawyers have been given until next Thursday to file their permanent stay application.