Thomson jailing gives closure: union

The Health Services Union says the jailing of former national secretary Craig Thomson brings closure to the most difficult period in its history.

"Today brings to an end a long seven-year wait by the union to have Thomson brought to account for the misuse of union funds," HSU acting national secretary Chris Brown said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Brown said Thomson's criminal actions were a "gross betrayal of trust".

The HSU's national executive will attempt to recover all unauthorised expenditure, including those not dealt with as part of the court proceedings.

"These actions will be vigorous and ongoing," Mr Brown said.

The union already has overhauled its governance procedures to prevent the fraud happening again.