Cattlemen’s Association and ex-CEO Ashley Manicaros settle legal matters

The beef between the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and its former chief executive has been settled.

• Manicaros suing NT Cattlemen’s Association and their president
• Manicaros countersued by Cattlemen’s Association for misappropriation of $6K of meat, documents reveal

THE beef between the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and its former Chief executive officer Ashley Manicaros has been settled.

Mr Manicaros took both the NTCA and its president to court for wrongful dismissal.

A condition of the settlement is that all claims against each other are now withdrawn.

One of those claims which Mr Manicaros has always strenuously denied, was the alleged misappropriation of more than $6000 of meat.

NTCA president David Connolly has advised members that documents have been signed to settle all legal matters and claims regarding the action taken against the association by Mr Manicaros. Mr Connolly told members that throughout the process the executive have experienced significant pressure from the membership, who have expressed a wide range of views.

‘While it is understandable from the members perspective, the position of the executive was taken due to the matter being a legal proceeding and the advice received from our legal representatives to do so,” Mr Connolly said. “The executive has always acted, and continues to act, in the best interests of the members.”

Mr Connolly said Mr Manicaros had made an initial statement of claim in the Fair Work Commission for $255,802.55, but the matter has now been settled for $25,000.

Mr Manicaros said he was grateful for the support he received from NTCA members, who he had the utmost respect for. He said it was never his intention to litigate against the NTCA, but only to seek a reasonable outcome where all parties could work together and advance NTCA interests.

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He said prior to his termination he offered to participate in mediation and to ensure a strong working relationship in 2021.

“I am deeply disappointed that all my attempts to resolve this matter amicably and privately were unceremoniously rebuffed,” Mr Manicaros said.

Mr Manicaros said he would have been glad to work with new president Mr Connolly had “he wanted to work with me.”

Mr Connolly said any claims regarding the motivation behind Mr Manicaros’s termination are now moot.

“This is a chapter, gladly, now behind us.,” Mr Connolly said.