Ex-NUW NSW boss Derrick Belan denies stealing from members

Ex-NUW NSW boss points to alleged wrongdoing by his niece in defending claims by trade union royal commission lawyers.

Derrick Belan, former NUW NSW secretary, leaving the Royal Commission into Trade Unions. Picture: Craig Greenhill.

Former National Union of Workers NSW boss Derrick Belan has insisted he didn’t steal thousands of dollars of members’ funds — which were spent on a cruise and a tattoo and other “personal” items — heavily relying on the alleged wrongdoing by his niece Danielle O’Brien in his defence to claims by trade union royal commission lawyers.

Mr Belan said he could authorise loans to himself of up to $1000, which he then repaid, rejecting allegations of possible credit card fraud and larceny by counsel assisting the inquiry, in his own legal submissions published by the commission today.

Ms O’Brien, who was hired to work at the union at age 18 by her grandfather, Mr Belan’s late father and predecessor as NSW state secretary, Frank, testified to the inquiry that Derrick Belan transferred money to her via PayPal using his union credit card to pay his personal bills.

Highlighting that Ms O’Brien was “visibly upset” while giving her evidence, Mr Belan’s lawyers added that: “The evidence is that Danielle O’Brien had access to Derrick Belan’s credit cards and other credit cards issued to officials… that she misused her position as the NUW’s bookkeeper”.

Mr Belan’s lawyers also referred to his “stress and (psychiatric) illness”, and urged the commission to take “caution… before seeking to criticise inconsistencies in evidence given”.

While acknowledging “breakdowns” in governance, Mr Belan’s lawyers submitted he acted “in good faith” and gave “outstanding service” to the branch.

In separate submissions also published today, the NUW NSW branch suggested it was unlikely Mr Belan would receive a $327,000 termination payment or benefit from a deed of release signed by his replacement as branch secretary Wayne Meaney.

Mr Meaney came under fire after it emerged last week that he attended a concert by rock band Kiss paid for on a union credit card and also spent $4000 in union funds on a hotel room — revelations that were not aired before the royal commission.

The branch’s submissions stated that Mr Meaney has sought legal advice over the deal with Mr Belan.

“No payment has been made nor will be without the informed consent of the BCOM,” the submissions said.

“Mr Meaney is clearly the major driver of position change in the NUW, NSW”.

Mr Meaney swore a new statement on Saturday, supplied to the royal commission, which the branch has requested be tendered as evidence.

“Mr Meaney has clearly set out to deal with the potential problems caused by the Deed and has advised Mr Belan, in clear terms, that the union reserves its rights in relations to the Deed”.

The NUW NSW submissions also denied Mr Meaney and branch president Marilyn Issanchon broke Registered Organisation laws over governance failures at the branch.

Mr Belan’s union organiser brother Nick Belan was also innocent of criminal offences for credit card use, the submissions stated.