Controversial unionist Kathy Jackson has revealed she is attempting to transfer her $1.3 million Wombarra house to her partner, Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler, as her former union seeks to freeze her assets.
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The former Health Services Union national secretary is being sued by her former union, accused of having wrongfully spent about $1.4 million of HSU funds.
But with her trial scheduled to begin this month, the HSU on Monday sought court orders for Ms Jackson's assets to be frozen amid concerns she would try to sell her home on the NSW south coast to block the union from accessing those assets.
"The reality is, to some extent, it's too late for that," Ms Jackson's barrister, Mark Robinson, said.
"The property at Wombarra ... has effectively been sold ... "
It is understood the sale of the property, bought for $1.3 million in 2012, is not yet formally registered, and the HSU is seeking to halt the process.
Ms Jackson on Monday told the Federal Court she received $65,000 from her partner for the sale of the large coastal property, which she claims is all she has left to fund day-to-day expenses and legal fees for the looming civil lawsuit against her.
Ms Jackson shot to prominence as a whistleblower alleging corruption within the HSU involving former national president Michael Williamson, who is now in jail.
But she has come under scrutiny over her own conduct, with the union launching a large-scale lawsuit to retrieve money the union claims she used to fund a five-star lifestyle.
Ms Jackson has denied that any of her expenses were unauthorised, and claims she had permission to spend $28,000 a year on travel for conference and sabbatical purposes.
Her statement of defence said all claimed expenses relating to food, alcohol, entertainment and fitness were work-related.
Justice Richard Tracey on Monday said he would consider issuing an injunctive order unless Ms Jackson made an undertaking to the court that she would cease the transfer of ownership.
Mr Irving, for the HSU, said a promise from Ms Jackson not to continue with the sale was insufficient given the transfer process was so advanced.
Justice Tracey is expected to rule on the injunction next week.