Today’s Federal Court decision is an extremely important win for the members of the Victorian Health Workers Union Branch.
The decision removes the previous officers of the Branch, including Diana Asmar, and gives the court appointed administrator full powers to implement necessary reforms, restructure operations, apply best-practice governance and ensure the members’ interests are the primary focus of the Branch.
The Federal Court has made the orders sought by the Health Services Union. It has declared that the Victorian Health Workers Union branch, as led by Diana Asmar, ceased to function effectively. As a consequence, the Federal Court has ordered that a scheme of administration is thereby implemented, under which, Diana Asmar, and the other elected officers of the Branch, have been removed from office immediately, and replaced by a court appointed administrator.
"We are extremely happy with the outcome today. 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," HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams said.
The Fair Work Commission, with the support of the HSU, will continue to prosecute Ms Asmar and others, and seek to penalise their conduct and recover compensation for the HSU for any losses caused by the alleged financial improprieties.
"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."
Under the Court orders:
• Diana Asmar has been automatically removed from her office.
• The administrator has gained full powers to manage the Branch, including investigating the conduct of previous Branch officers, recovering any misappropriated funds, the implementation of reforms, restructuring operations and improving governance rules.
• The branch has entered a period of administrative oversight until the next quadrennial elections in the second half of 2026.
The HSU National Executive will work closely with the administrator to implement comprehensive reforms that protect members' interests and restore trust in the branch's operations.
Media contact: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032