Mystery over Northern Territory tourism chief executive Simonne Shepherd’s sudden resignation

MYSTERY surrounds the abrupt resignation of the chief executive of the Territory’s Tourism and Culture department.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss announced Simonne Shepherd to the role in May 2018

THE chief executive of the Territory’s Tourism and Culture department has resigned abruptly.

Simonne Shepherd advised staff in an email this afternoon that she will walk away from the job on March 20 — after less than two years in the role.

A government statement said Ms Shepherd, who maintained a very low profile, was leaving the Territory for family reasons.

However, mystery surrounds whether there were additional reasons behind the departure.

The NT News understands many in the industry had been lobbying for a change within the Tourism department due to issues which can not be revealed for legal reasons.

The NT News is not suggesting the push for change related specifically to Ms Shepherd’s role.

Deputy CEO Andrew Hopper will initially act in the role of CEO following Ms Shepherd’s departure.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to lead the Department during a period of significant growth for tourism, with an unprecedented investment from the Northern Territory Government aimed at increasing holiday visitors,” Ms Shepherd said.

“Results for Year-to-Date Sept 2019 include an 8.9 per cent increase in total domestic holiday visitors and a 6 per cent increase in total international holiday visitors.

“I am incredibly proud of the Department’s work to successfully deliver on government priorities and services to the community, which further reinforces the hard work and collaboration between the Department’s staff and industry.

“I acknowledge and thank all the staff from the department, across all divisions; Community Participation, Sport and the Arts, Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Tourism and Events, Executive Services and Strategic Services.

“I feel honoured to have worked across such a diverse portfolio.”

Ms Shepherd was appointed by Minister Lauren Moss in May 2018 and started two months later.

When she was announced to the role, Ms Moss said “Ms Shepherd brings to the role a proven background in diversifying tourism markets, developing strong strategic partnerships and providing innovative executive leadership, both in Australia and internationally.”

“She has built her career working in culturally diverse destinations and organisations and has held executive roles across multiple Australian jurisdictions including the ACT at Australian Capital Tourism and NSW at Destination NSW,” the statement said when she was appointed.

“Most recently, she held a senior advisory role to the Department of Culture and Tourism in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, advising on a range of strategic tourism and cultural projects aimed at building capacity and growing the economic contribution of the sectors, in an economy traditionally highly reliant on oil and gas.”