Michael Williamson jailed over 'parasitic plundering' of Health Services Union funds
By court reporter Jamelle Wells
Updated 2 minutes ago
Former HSU national president Michael Williamson
PHOTO: Prosecutors said Michael Williamson's motivation for defrauding the HSU was greed. (AAP: Dean Lewins)
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MAP: Sydney 2000
Former Health Services Union boss Michael Williamson has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail for fraud.
The New South Wales District Court was packed as sentencing Judge David Frearson described Williamson as "brazen and arrogant".
The judge said Williamson was in a position of power when he defrauded the union of nearly $1 million.
Judge Frearson described Williamson's "parasitic plundering of union funds for pure greed".
Williamson showed no emotion as he discovered his fate and sat staring at the judge until he was led away.
The 60-year-old will be eligible for parole after serving five years in prison.
Williamson had been facing a possible 20 years in jail after pleading guilty to four charges including fraud and recruiting others to hinder a police investigation.
Prosecutors say Williamson, who was already on a salary of about $500,000, was motivated by greed.
The court has been told the former Australian Labor Party president submitted false invoices to the union from a company in his wife's name.
Williamson's lawyers say he has apologised and taken full responsibility for his actions, noting he has also suffered depression since his behaviour was exposed.
More to come.