Former St Mary’s College dean Juliarna Clark loses unfair dismissal case

Claims by a former dean of a “campaign of bullying” and a “toxic culture” at the University of Melbourne’s St Mary’s College have been dismissed as “unsustainable” by the Fair Work Commission.

A former senior staffer at one of University of Melbourne’s most elite colleges has slammed her “bullying” and “scheming” workplace amid an unsuccessful bid to get her job back.

Juliarna Clark, former dean at St Mary’s College, has lost an unfair dismissal case in the Fair Work Commission, with the judge ruling her evidence was “littered with deeply speculative assertions”.

The judge did not accept Ms Clark’s assertions that there was a “wider pattern or plan designed to force her out” nor that she was subjected to a “campaign of surreptitious bullying”.

Such claims, along with the suggestion of a toxic workplace, were dismissed as “unsustainable” and not supported by any credible evidence.

The historic Catholic co-educational residential college argued Ms Clark, a singer, musician and speech pathologist, had resigned and was not unfairly dismissed by college dean Darcy McCormack.

Juliarna Clark unsuccessfully sued St Mary's College for unfair dismissal. Picture: Supplied

Ms Clark, who had a long association with the college directing the choir, was appointed as dean in December 2022 after acting in the role for four months.

However, there were ongoing issues to do with Ms Clark’s salary, which started at $88,000 and her access to accommodation at the leafy prestigious college crescent campus.

The post was offered at $85,000 for full time but Ms Clark thought it should be higher and put together a PowerPoint presentation called “DEANY DETAILS: The Dream. Setting up a premise for Juliarna’s long-term happiness”. Ms Clark was offered $88,000 and allowed to work at home one day a week, albeit discreetly.

She lived 50 kms away but was given use of an apartment at the college in February 2023. However, by March 2024 the rooms were no longer available, causing her much frustration.

In findings handed down last month, Deputy President Bell found Ms Clark’s evidence was “typically seeking to impugn the motives of Dr McCormack”.

Deputy President Bell said he found Ms Clark’s “assessment of a large number of matters was deeply coloured by her hindsight perception of events” and concluded that she was “not a reliable witness”.

St Mary’s College, at the University of Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

In contrast, the college president, Darcy McCormack, was considered to be an “impressive witness”. Due to Ms Clark’s perspective being “deeply skewed”, he chose Dr McCormack’s evidence over hers.

Ms Clark told the Herald Sun the outcome was disappointing but not unexpected.

“My interest is solely in changing a toxic culture, particularly for the workers there now and in the future,” she said.

“I hope it hasn’t been entirely in vain — I hope that at least I have made it easier for employees to speak out on similar issues in the future, as now there is precedence,” she said.

Ms Clark said she had been “straight and honest”.

“I hope one day St Mary’s will be back to the high regard with which I have always held it.”

Mr McCormack declined to comment.