Arabic version: مفوضية العمل العادل تجد أن فصل مدير جمعية التراث الوطني غير عادل
The Fair Work Commission has found the former managing director of the National Trust of Tasmania was unfairly dismissed.
According to ABC News, Scott Carlin served as managing director from March 2023 until January 2025 and was let go two months before his two-year contract was due to expire. FWC deputy president Amber Millhouse concluded the board’s decision lacked procedural fairness and that there was no valid reason to support the dismissal.
The Trust told the commission it based the decision on three concerns: a lack of financial literacy, a breakdown in the relationship between Mr Carlin and the board, and his alleged failure to appropriately communicate with the board and stakeholders. The commission found the Trust did not provide sufficient evidence to assess Mr Carlin’s financial literacy and described complaints about his conduct as relating to a direct communication style rather than objective departures from expected standards.
The board process also drew criticism in the ruling. In early January 2025 chair Catherine Walker circulated a paper to board members excluding Mr Carlin to confirm a unanimous decision not to renew his contract. About two weeks later Mr Carlin was asked to meet with Ms Walker and deputy chair Jude Franks and was handed an “end of employment” letter; within half an hour he lost access to his email and online files.
Why this matters: the National Trust is the peak heritage body with state branches that own and manage public heritage properties. Tasmania’s branch holds eight historic properties, including Clarendon Estate and Franklin House, and the commission noted Mr Carlin had overseen brand recovery, management of a police investigation into an alleged theft by a former director, and grant-aided projects and acquisitions intended to support the Trust’s tourism and revenue aims.
What happens next: Mr Carlin will not be reinstated because his contract has expired, and the commission did not recommend compensation because he had been paid out the balance of his contract. Mr Carlin said he was pleased with the outcome and proud of the work he did for the Trust.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Western Australia | Tasmania | General | Economy/اقتصاد
