Major donors boycott SA Museum amid continuing controversy

Philanthropists who have poured millions into the beloved South Australian Museum are suspending donations as controversy continues to engulf the institution.

Major donors who have poured millions into the South Australian Museum are boycotting the institution despite a controversial overhaul being ditched.

Adelaide philanthropists Antony and Mary Lou Simpson, who in August threatened to redirect a $1m gift to another institution for scientific research, say they are suspending future contributions.

The Advertiser understands other significant donors are also refusing to contribute and some are privately demanding the removal of Museum chief David Gaimster.

One donor, who asked not to be named, told The Advertiser they had nothing against Dr Gaimster personally or professionally but his previous plans to overhaul the beloved institution showed he was “a square peg in a round hole”.

The Simpsons, renowned for their generosity to the museum over many decades, said: “During this period of uncertainty we will not be contributing any further money”.

Antony and Mary Lou Simpson outside the SA Museum in August. Picture: Dean Martin

In a further blow to the museum, previously secret damaging testimony to a parliamentary committee has been released publicly, airing allegations including the “reimagining” of the museum continuing contrary to the Premier’s orders and staff being bullied by managers leading to high staff turnover.

The September 9 committee hearing heard from a staff member speaking on behalf of others “with first-hand knowledge from our collective 474 years of experience across research and collections at the museum”.

In response, Dr Gaimster said the museum was “currently focused on delivering the recommendations of the Premier’s Review Panel” and would be developing existing and new opportunities with donors, philanthropists, and major corporations to enhance existing funding sources.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas on September 19 announced the results of a comprehensive review of museum plans, saying its bid to slash research funding that threatened up to 27 jobs, was now “off the table”.

This doused fears over the future of much-loved displays like the Egyptian and Polar exhibitions and added $4.1 million of funding.

A protest at Parliament House in April over proposed changes to the SA Museum. Picture: Kelly Barnes

In the parliamentary committee testimony, the staff member says museum management proceeded with approving grants “that fit to exactly what they want the museum to be”, contrary to changes being suspended during the review ordered by Mr Malinauskas.

“The Premier asked that the reimagining and restructure were put on hold. The reimagining has not been put on hold,” they said.

They also said museum management “just don’t want science. They are entirely anti-science”.

“ … Basically, the entire team are scared. If they go against anything, their jobs will not be worth staying.”

In a written statement supplied to The Advertiser, Dr Gaimster said he and staff were working together with new chairman Professor Robert Saint on “a sustainable research model”, with renowned business leader Robert Champion de Crespigny as a strategic adviser.

“Together we are steering the museum forward to deliver the best outcomes for all South Australians,” he said.

Originally published as Major donors boycott SA Museum amid continuing controversy