Sacked Equestrian boss wants her job back with compensation for the dismissal

The former executive officer of a leading South Australian sporting organisation, who was summarily sacked for “misconduct” is seeking her job back, Federal Court documents reveal.

The former executive officer of a leading South Australian sporting organisation, who was summarily sacked for “misconduct”, is seeking her job back, Federal Court documents reveal.

Sharon Cimarosti was dismissed without notice by Equestrian South Australia on July 26 this year due to the “serious nature” of her actions and behaviours, the documents say.

In her notice of the immediate termination of employment, sent by ESA chairman Peter Graham, Ms Cimarosti, executive officer for five years, was told: “We (ESA board) consider, following careful consideration that your actions and behaviours are such that they amount to misconduct.

“A decision has been made that it is appropriate to immediately terminate your employment for misconduct, having regard to all the circumstances including the serious nature of your actions and behaviours.”

The letter is signed off: “We wish you all the best for the future.”

Ms Cimarosti is suing ESA and three board members in the Federal Court under the Fair Work Act 2009, alleging unfair dismissal.

Among her claims is the reinstatement in her former position as ESA executive officer.

Other claims include damages for economic loss and non-economic loss, interest and pecuniary penalties. There is no financial figure placed on the total of her claims.

Sharon Cimarosti is suing ESA and three board members in the Federal Court under the Fair Work Act 2009, alleging unfair dismissal.

ESA recently appointed accountant Janeth Flowers to the position of executive officer.

Ms Flowers, who worked previously with SA Health at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, as a business consultant and transition manager, won the role over 40 other applicants.

The three board members are Stuart Platt, Jacqui Lang and Mr Graham.

Ms Lang, a former human resources manager, filled in as executive officer during Ms Cimarosti’s mid-year leave of absence.

A former general manager at the Strathalbyn Racing Club, Ms Cimarosti did not return to work from leave in June. That leave was extended in July without explanation by the ESA board.

An independent report by a former police detective into allegations of bullying of children at ESA, completed in July, found “serious matters”.

At the time, Mr Graham told The Advertiser the findings “should not be” linked to Ms Cimarosti leaving the organisation.

But he would not confirm whether she resigned or was dismissed. The court documents confirm she was dismissed, but offers no reason why.

ESA has rolled from one crisis to another this year under allegations of bullying and harassment in the organisation, a breach of privacy of its membership and numerous resignations.

These have included that of former chairman Joe Hooper in July.

Bourne Lawyers, representing Mr Cimarosti, did not return calls yesterday.