Ashley Manicaros suing NT Cattlemen’s Association and president Christopher Nott
THE former chief executive of the NT Cattlemen’s Association is suing his former employer and the president over his sacking.
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THE former chief executive of the NT Cattlemen’s Association is suing his former employer and the president over his sacking.
Ashley Manicaros was sacked as CEO of the powerful industry group in December last year.
In a statement of claim lodged with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, the NT News can reveal Mr Manicaros has claimed he was sacked because of his political alignment to the Country Liberal Party (CLP).
“From at least September 2018 and throughout his employment, the first and second respondents (the NTCA and Mr Nott) were aware of the applicant’s political opinions were aligned to the CLP,” the claim states.
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“On or around February 7, 2020, the applicant (Mr Manicaros) received a verbal offer of employment in the role of Deputy Chief of Staff to the Leader of the CLP, and member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Territory, Ms Lia Finocchiaro.
“On around February 19, 2020 the applicant declined the offer of employment by the CLP.”
Mr Manicaros informed the NTCA and Mr Nott around February 29 that he refused the CLP’s offer of employment.
The claim states that in April 2020, Mr Manicaros told Mr Nott that he “had an interest in seeking pre-selection for the CLP to contest the electoral division of Port Darwin in the upcoming (August) elections for the Legislative Assembly.”
Shortly after, Mr Manicaros started his attempt for CLP pre-selection.
“On or around April 28, 2020, the applicant’s attempt for CLP pre-selection was discontinued,” the claim states.
“The applicant’s alignment to CLP, refusal of CLP employment and attempt for CLP pre-selection were expressions of his political opinion as referenced in the FW (Fair Work) Act, including in s. 351 of the FW Act.”
The claim states on or around December 11, 2020 that Mr Nott informed Mr Manicaros that he was receiving a first and final warning because of his political opinion.
Mr Manicaros was sacked from his role five days later on December 16.
“Pursuant to s. 351 of the FW Act, an employer must not take adverse action against a person who is an employee because of, among other things, the person’s political opinion,” the claim states.
“Pursuant to s. 19(1) (n) and 20 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT), it is unlawful to discriminate against a person based on their political opinion, affiliation and activity in their work.”
“The provision of the first and final warning on 11 December 2020 amounts to adverse action pursuant to s. 342 of the FW Act in that it: a.injured the applicant in his employment; and/or b. ltered the position of the applicant to his prejudice,
“The first adverse action was taken because of the applicant’s political opinion.
“In the premises, the first respondent has contravened s. 351 of the FW Act and the applicant has suffered loss and damage (First Contravention of s. 351 of the FW Act).”
Mr Manicaros is seeking compensation for loss and damage suffered by his dismissal.
At the time of his dismissal, Mr Manicaros was earning $6776.93 gross per fortnight.
In a statement to the NT News, Mr Manicaros said: “On several occasions I’ve tried to resolve the legacy issues of this matter without any success.”
“At this stage, the Statement of Claim names the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and its President Chris Nott but that may change later,” he said.
“While I cannot comment on specific matters because the matters are now before the courts, I look forward to exploring the evidence of members of the executive and others.”
The NT Cattlemen’s Association has been contacted for comment.
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