Lead

Volunteers of the National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) are preparing to speak at a parliamentary inquiry into the organisation, after multiple branches received warnings about the charity's media policy. The inquiry, referred by the Legislative Council with unanimous support, will examine whether the National Trust of South Australia Act 1955 remains fit for purpose.

Coverage Comparison

Reports detail a series of events that have placed the NTSA under scrutiny. In February, the charity stood down the local leadership of its Moonta branch, citing management disagreements and alleged compliance breaches. That decision prompted a protest at the Moonta Cornish Mines and led other branches to voice grievances publicly. The affected volunteers are seeking to overturn the decision in the Supreme Court, and many attractions at the historic Moonta Mines remain closed after volunteers walked away in solidarity, impacting local tourism.

In a separate development, a volunteer created a TikTok video at the Moonta Mines Heritage Precinct that was deemed inappropriate by the NTSA. The video showed the volunteer pulling down "no photo" signs at the historic School of Mines. The volunteer, who is not part of the disbanded committee, apologised and acknowledged the actions were unauthorised.

Key Claims

  • A National Trust of South Australia volunteer created a TikTok video that was deemed inappropriate, showing the volunteer pulling down "no photo" signs at the Moonta Mines Heritage Precinct.
  • The volunteer apologised for the video and acknowledged it was not authorised by the Trust.
  • Tensions have been high in the Yorke Peninsula community since February, when the National Trust disbanded the local governing committee of the Moonta branch due to alleged work health and safety breaches.
  • The National Trust of South Australia has been referred to a parliamentary inquiry, which will examine whether the National Trust of South Australia Act 1955 is still fit for purpose.
  • Volunteers of the National Trust of South Australia have received warnings about making public comments, and the organisation has a media policy that outlines expectations for volunteers.

Perspectives

Volunteers

Volunteers, including Renmark National Trust chair Ann Ryan, have expressed frustration with the media policy, calling it "intimidating." Ryan, who received a formal warning for remarks about her branch, said volunteers lack a union to speak on their behalf and feel compelled to speak out despite concerns about their positions.

National Trust of South Australia

The NTSA has defended its actions, stating it spoke directly with the volunteer involved in the TikTok video, who acknowledged her actions were inappropriate and unauthorised. The organisation has emphasised its media policy and code of conduct in communications to branches, which specify that members shall not publicly report NTSA matters in a manner that misrepresents information or damages the charity's reputation.

Shadow Environment Minister Nicola Centofanti

Centofanti, who brought the motion for the inquiry, said it is about ensuring the National Trust remains "a strong, sustainable and respected custodian of our state's heritage." She noted that the inquiry would review legislation, understand challenges, hear directly from those affected, and identify opportunities to strengthen the organisation.