Former National Trust boss Scott Carlin launches unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Commission

The former managing director of National Trust Tasmania has launched legal action over his January departure, filing an unfair dismissal claim over a workplace process he described as “awful”.

Former National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) Managing Director Scott Carlin at the Penitentiary Chapel, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The former managing director of National Trust Tasmania has launched legal action over his sudden January departure, filing an unfair dismissal claim over a workplace process he described as “awful”.

Scott Carlin said after he and the Trust did not resolve the matter, he was left with no option but to take his case to the Fair Work Commission.

While Trust chair, Catherine Walker, told the Mercury that Mr Carlin’s employment was not terminated – but had been on a maximum-term contract which expired on 6 March this year - the former managing director said he had taken a different view of his departure, and would pursue the matter at a jurisdictional hearing listed for 5 May.

Mr Carlin said he had been shocked to learn of the decision, following three years of hard work he claimed had saved the charity from “folding.”

Scott Carlin at the installation of the Convict Memorial Hub in the Penitentiary Chapel, Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I was amazed, because the job had been a six or seven-day a week proposition for me, and the board had seen my level of intensity and commitment,” he said.

“I didn’t see their decision coming, because I had actually been asked a couple of times if I was prepared to serve another term.

“There was so much positive community feedback from the program that I’d been carrying forward ... and since my standing down people have expressed shock that I was going.”

Mr Carlin described the January meeting as difficult , saying while the board had previously congratulated him on his performance, it revealed an intended “new direction” that was more focused on tourism.

Mr Carlin said his access to work email and National Trust digital files was immediately terminated, and he was directed not to attend his workplace.

“It was quite brutal ... I still had so much work underway, but was totally cut off,” he said.

“My recovery program at the Trust was very people-based, and being respectful of volunteers, members, and the community.

“But I did not feel the Trust was offering me respect.”

Ms Walker said the Trust would not be making further comments on Mr Carlin’s case.

“The National Trust declined to participate in a voluntary conciliation process and we consider any further comment on an ongoing Fair Work matter is inappropriate,” she said.

The Tasmanian branch of the Trust manages eleven historic properties across Tasmania, and has an annual budget of around $3.6m.

The organisation receives approximately $300,000 in government funding each year, and another $1m in grants from other sources.

Originally published as Former National Trust boss Scott Carlin launches unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Commission