Four independent directors of the country’s largest philanthropic journalism institute abruptly resigned after its founding billionaire revised its way of operating and allocating funding.
Australian billionaire and philanthropist Judith Neilson, who founded the Judith Neilson Institute in 2018, plans to take over its creation as it “changes direction”, a decision that seems to contradict the original plans to establish the organization. non-profit as an independent.
Billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson plans to get directly involved in her journalism institute. Credit: James Brickwood
Neilson’s move, announced last Tuesday in an email conversation with the Institute’s directors – former NSW Chief Justice James Spigelman, Paul Kelly, Bridget Fair and Kate Torney – prompted them to resign en masse, according to people who know the conversation. The Institute was not available for comment.
Media sources, who asked for anonymity to speak freely on the matter, said Neilson’s new vision for the organization has not yet materialized, but that his involvement raises concerns about his independence.
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Documents submitted to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission last Wednesday confirm the removal of the four independent directors, including Spigelman, who served as chairman.
There are still three directors on the board: Secretary Simon Freeman (who is the chief financial officer of Neilson’s family office) and Edward Jewell-Tait.
The change calls into question the position of CEO Mark Ryan, who is also on the board and is currently with the company. Independent board directors supported Ryan.
Neilson made headlines when he pledged $ 100 million to set up the institute in 2018. He established himself as an independent, non-partisan body to promote quality journalism through education, grants, and organizing current affairs events. The institute is committed to working with university journalism schools and news organizations to improve reporting on the region, as well as to discuss key policy issues facing Australia.