National Trust of South Australia volunteers anticipate parliamentary inquiry

A number of volunteers of the embattled National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) are looking forward to speaking freely at an impending parliamentary inquiry following warnings about making public comments.

Multiple branches have received reminders about the organisation's media policy since the beginning of the year.

NTSA members and volunteers have previously spoken publicly about disputes with the trust's administration.

In an email seen by the ABC, Renmark National Trust chair Ann Ryan was formally warned she had "contravened" organisation policy following remarks she made about the branch last month.

"This email constitutes a formal warning regarding your non-compliance with National Trust policy," it said.

Ms Ryan said the communication was "intimidating" and it has been hard for branches to speak up.

Her chapter has been one of a number of NTSA branches who have been locked in disputes with the organisation's administration.

"As a volunteer, we don't have a union, and without a union, who's going to speak on our behalf?" she said.

"I feel so strongly about speaking up that we can't just sit back and get trodden on, and I won't back down."

The ABC is aware similar messages have been circulated to other branches with reminders of NTSA media policies.

In an unrelated email, the Millicent branch in the south-east of the state was told members "shall not publicly report NTSA matters in a manner that does not meet the NTSA Media Communication Policy or the NTSA Code of Conduct".

"This includes misrepresentation of information, and communication that damages the reputation of the National Trust of South Australia," the email stated.

The branch spoke to the ABC about a financial disagreement it had with NTSA last month.

Ms Ryan said while she was concerned about her future at the historic Olivewood Homestead by speaking with the ABC, she felt compelled to speak out about her experiences.

"I think with a pending parliamentary inquiry, I've got support now and I don't feel as threatened by them," she said.

Parliamentary inquiry looming

Ms Ryan is deeply passionate about the history of Renmark embedded in the Olivewood Homestead and Museum that she cares for.

"[NTSA] can't understand that as a local, that we feel ownership, that we've done the work, we're doing it gratis, we don't get paid," she said.

"People are donating to this museum, not thinking they're giving it to the National Trust; they're giving it to Renmark."

The organisation will now be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry, following a unanimous vote in South Australia's Legislative Council.

It has been referred to the Environment, Resources and Development Committee following months of volunteer disputes and campaigning from multiple branches.

Volunteers at the Moonta branch have launched a case in the Supreme Court against the trust.

The charity stood down the branch's committee, who manage the historic Moonta Mines site, in February, and the group is seeking to have the action overturned.

Shadow environment minister Nicola Centofanti told parliament the inquiry will examine whether the National Trust of South Australia Act 1955 was "still fit for purpose".

"It is about understanding the challenges facing the organisation … hearing directly from those affected and identifying opportunities to strengthen the National Trust," she said.

Ms Ryan said she was looking forward to volunteers having the opportunity to speak freely in submissions to the inquiry.

"They can go direct to the committee and then it won't be that perceived threat of, 'I'm talking to the media'," she said.

In a statement, NTSA president Millie Nicholls said the organisation had "a longstanding policy in place that outlines its expectations of volunteers regarding public commentary".

"The NTSA is currently working through a number of matters with the Riverland branches and we remain committed to achieving a satisfactory resolution.

"NTSA staff and council members will cooperate with the inquiry, including any requests for information as well as making our own written submissions."

Ms Nicholls said the organisation remains focused on protecting the state's heritage.