Former National Trust chief in Australia accused of intending to destroy competitor
In South Australia, former History Trust chief executive Greg Mackie told a parliamentary committee that former National Trust of South Australia head Darren Peacock allegedly intended to destroy a rival organisation and secure the termination of its government funding. ABC News Australia reports.
Mackie, who had previously also been a member of the Adelaide City Council and head of the South Australian premier's department, said Peacock voiced these intentions during a meeting in 2016. Peacock led the National Trust of South Australia from 2015 to 2022. ABC News reported that it had repeatedly sought his comment on Mackie's claims.
Circumstances of Peacock's departure
Mackie urged the committee to establish the circumstances of Peacock's departure from the position in 2022, as well as the related legal expenses. According to him, these expenses are significant to the National Trust's current financial situation.
In 2021, a conflict arose between the History Trust and the National Trust after the Marshall government decided to evict the National Trust from its headquarters at Ayers House in order to accommodate the History Trust there. The current Labor government later reversed that decision.
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Claims about the situation in a branch
During the hearing, Mackie also claimed that the National Trust had attempted to take over the management of the Moonta Mines Heritage Precinct. Despite a legal settlement between the parties, he said the organisation's current chief executive and another employee allegedly persuaded members to temporarily transfer their membership to the branch in Moonta. According to Mackie, this could have made it possible to legally remove the branch's current committee.
Mackie did not name the sources of this information and suggested that the committee verify his claims. The National Trust said that, out of respect for the ongoing investigation, it would not comment on specific allegations. Current chief executive Nicolette di Lernia was absent from the hearing due to illness.
Financial deficit
The National Trust, which owns dozens of historic properties, is trying to cover a deficit of $300,000. Last week, the organisation announced the launch of an organisational review to identify properties for possible sale. National Trust board members Millie Nicholls and Jo Loken said they would consult branches and Heritage Minister Emily Bourke before any possible sale of properties from the $57 million portfolio.
