Charity's CEO promised to 'destroy' rival group, inquiry hears

Former National Trust of South Australia CEO Greg Mackie alleged during a parliamentary inquiry that the organization sought to undermine a rival group and destroy it, according to claims heard on Monday. Mr. Mackie, who was the CEO of the History Trust, testified under parliamentary privilege that the National Trust attempted to "stack" a dissident branch with more favorable members.

He also claimed that the rival group's former CEO, Darren Peacock, expressed his intention to destroy the History Trust and secure its government funding during a 2016 meeting. The dispute between the two organizations erupted in 2021 when the Marshall government removed the National Trust from its Ayers House headquarters to make space for the History Trust.

The current Labor government later reversed this decision. Mr. Mackie suggested that the National Trust's failure to appreciate the importance of its volunteers, after attempting to take over the Moonta Mines Heritage Precinct, may have contributed to the current financial predicament the organization faces. The Trust, which owns numerous historical properties, is currently grappling with a $300,000 financial deficit and has initiated an organizational review to identify properties for sale.

Mr. Mackie also alleged that the National Trust was attempting to remove the current branch committee through a tactic known as a "branch stack." Both organizations are complementary in their missions, but the allegations raise concerns about the competitive nature of their relationship.