HSU questions Jackson appeal

The Health Services Union has questioned the competency of an appeal by former secretary Kathy Jackson, who has been ordered to pay it $1.4 million.

The HSU is fighting disgraced whistleblower Kathy Jackson's appeal against a court order. (AAP)

Disgraced whistleblower and bankrupt former union secretary Kathy Jackson is appealing a court order to pay $1.4 million to her former employer.

But the Health Services Union is fighting her appeal, questioning the competency of her bid.

The Federal Court in Melbourne on Tuesday agreed to hear the HSU's objection to the appeal in November.

In August, Jackson was ordered to pay $1,338,626 in damages and $67,912 in overpaid salary to the HSU after the Federal Court found she had used union money to prop up a lavish lifestyle.

Jackson set up an unauthorised slush fund which she used to pay for travel, groceries, entertainment and even her divorce, the court found.

In September she filed a notice of appeal.

The Federal Court will hear Jackson's appeal in November after it hears the union's objection.

Jackson was not in court on Tuesday.