Six Ambulance Victoria payroll staff stood down over 'disgraceful' alleged $3.5 million scam

Six Victorian ambulance service workers have been stood down and are under investigation over an alleged $3.5 million embezzling scam.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed on Thursday the staff members were suspended after allegations of serious misconduct.

Chief executive Jane Miller was tipped off to the accusations by an employee in early 2023, with the matter referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and Ambulance Victoria launching an internal investigation.

“This process remains underway,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said in a statement.

“As this matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to provide any further comment.”

The suspended members of the payroll department have been accused of claiming overtime for hours they did not work and not logging on for rostered shifts, multiple outlets report.

The Herald Sun alleges the workers embezzled $3.5 million from the government agency.

Premier Jacinta Allan said she was made aware of the allegations on Wednesday and slammed the implicated staff.

“I’m deeply concerned about ... the allegations of this disgraceful behaviour,” she told reporters on Thursday.

“This alleged behaviour is absolutely unacceptable in the public sector, in the private sector.

“But we do need to let this investigation come to its conclusion to be able to comment further on what further action will no doubt need to be taken to deal with this behaviour.”

The premier wouldn’t be drawn on whether the government would consider appointing administrators to run the ambulance service but said she still had confidence in its executive team.

Victorian ambulance union members are voting on a motion of no confidence in the AV executive amid stalled pay talks and plan to rally outside the office of Heath Minister Mary-Anne Thomas on Friday.

IBAC has been contacted for comment.