Regional communities, volunteers and former members are being encouraged to share their experiences before submissions close on July 28
South Australians are being invited to have their say as a parliamentary inquiry into the National Trust of South Australia officially opens for public submissions.
The inquiry follows growing concerns about the organisation’s governance, the management of heritage sites and the role of volunteers — issues that have been thrust into the spotlight in recent months through the National Trust’s ongoing legal dispute with volunteers from its Moonta Mines branch.
As Greater SA has previously reported, the National Trust is currently involved in Supreme Court proceedings with suspended committee members from the Moonta branch, who are seeking to overturn their dismissal and regain access to branch funds.
Despite the ongoing court battle, the Moonta community has remained united, continuing to hold regular catch-ups and fundraising events to support its Fighting Fund while the legal process continues.
Community Invited To Have Its Say
Now, the Environment, Resources and Development Committee wants to hear directly from South Australians.
The parliamentary inquiry will examine the National Trust’s governance, the effectiveness of the National Trust of South Australia Act, the management of heritage assets, the role of volunteers and the impact organisational issues may be having on regional communities, local history and tourism.
Opposition MLC Nicola Centofanti, whose party initiated the inquiry, said it was an important opportunity for people to share their experiences.
“I particularly encourage regional communities and volunteers to make a submission,” she said.
“Many of the concerns raised with me have centred on the management of regional heritage sites, governance and decision-making, the treatment and role of volunteers, and the relationship between local branches and the central organisation.”
Submissions Close July 28
She said submissions would help Parliament gain a clearer picture of the challenges facing the organisation and what changes may be needed to better protect South Australia’s heritage into the future.
Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, July 28.
Anyone wishing to make a submission or register an interest in presenting evidence to the committee can email [email protected] or send submissions by post to Environment, Resources & Development Committee, GPO Box 572, Adelaide SA 5001.
More information can be found here.
