The Fair Work Commission has found that the National Trust of Tasmania unfairly dismissed its former managing director, Scott Carlin, in January 2025, just two months before his two-year contract was due to expire.

According to reporting from ABC News, Fair Work Commission deputy president Amber Millhouse determined there was no valid reason for the dismissal and that the process lacked procedural fairness. Mr Carlin had served as the managing director from March 2023.

The ABC reported that the National Trust’s board told the commission its decision was based on concerns about Mr Carlin’s financial literacy, a breakdown in his relationship with the board, and an alleged failure to communicate appropriately with stakeholders. However, the commission found the Trust had not provided enough evidence to properly assess Mr Carlin’s financial literacy. The ruling reportedly described complaints about his conduct as relating to a “direct communication style” rather than significant deviations from expected standards.

The process leading to the dismissal was also criticised in the finding, Oz Arab Media reported. In early January 2025, board chair Catherine Walker reportedly circulated a paper to board members, without Mr Carlin’s inclusion, to confirm a unanimous decision not to renew his contract. Later that month, Mr Carlin was handed an “end of employment” letter in a meeting with Ms Walker and deputy chair Jude Franks, and his access to work emails and files was revoked within half an hour.

The commission noted Mr Carlin had overseen a brand recovery for the Trust and managed a police investigation into an alleged theft by a previous director, according to media reports. The National Trust is a key heritage body in the state, managing eight historic properties including Clarendon Estate and Franklin House.

The ABC reported that Mr Carlin will not be reinstated as his contract has since expired, and the commission did not recommend compensation as he had been paid out for the remainder of his contract term.

The original report on this finding was published by ABC News.