The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) was created in 1987 to preserve and maintain the Port Arthur Historic Site – a major Australian tourism destination and one of the country’s most important heritage sites.

In 2011, PAHSMA also became responsible for the Coal Mines Historic Site and Cascades Female Factory Historic Site. All three sites (known collectively as the Port Arthur Historic Sites) are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the eleven sites comprising the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, which was inscribed in 2010.

PAHSMA is a Government Business Enterprise and operates under the provisions of several principle acts of the Tasmanian State Parliament:

• Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority Act 1987
• Government Business Enterprises Act 1995
• Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995
• National Parks and Reserve Management Act 2002
• State Service Act 2000

PAHSMA is committed to the aims and objectives of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2002 (the Act). It does not tolerate improper conduct by its employees, officers or members, or the taking of detrimental action against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.

To connect people with a complex history to inspire, engage and shape the future.

To be the leader in conserving, creating and sharing our extraordinary Australian convict places, experiences and stories.

To enrich the lives of our communities by providing cultural, social, environmental and economic benefit.

Our Values give us our sense of identity as an organisation, describing the core qualities that underpin how we work together to support the goals and future success of PAHSMA:

• Respect – We care for each other with fairness.
• Accountable – We all take responsibility for our decisions, actions and words.
• Together – We work together to achieve our shared purpose.
• Voice –  We are willing to be open, to listen and to learn from each other.

Members of the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority’s Board are appointed by the Tasmanian Government.   Members bring a wide variety of skills and knowledge from across a range of disciplines and arenas of business, heritage management and public life to the organisation. Our Board Charter outlines the powers, functions and operational details relating to the Board and is reviewed on a regular basis.

Dr Jacqueline Jennings, Chair

BMet; MMgt; PhD: GAICD

Dr Jacqueline Jennings was appointed as Chair to the PAHSMA Board in May 2025. Jacqui has worked as a non-executive director for more than a decade on both Government and member-owned, for-purpose boards. In these governance roles she has participated in diverse, regulated industry sectors including Health, Education, Finance and Tourism. Jacqui’s focus is on trust, accountability and risk, both operational and financial and on exceptional stakeholder engagement leading to enhanced mutual understanding and superior decision making. This perspective is complemented by her previous senior executive experience as Vice President Marketing and Business Development for BHP Steel ensuring she brings a vision that is commercial, strategic and sustainable.

Jacqui commenced her professional life as a Materials Engineer with BHP where she worked for 23 years traversing a variety of technical and production as well as sales and marketing roles nationally and internationally. Jacqui is currently an Independent Director of Darwin Waterfront Corporation and Latrobe Health Services. Chair at Campaspe Business Enterprise and Futurity Investment Group.

The Board recognises Jacqueline as independent Director.

Jacqui is a member of the PAHSMA People and Culture Committee.

Kristal Buckley AM

BA (Hons), DipSocSci, MPubPol, GradCertHigherEd

Kristal Buckley is an experienced cultural heritage practitioner with more than 40 years’ professional experience in academia, teaching, consulting and government roles bringing extensive experience in cultural heritage management in Australia and internationally, including World Heritage. Kristal is a member of the Australian Heritage Council (historic heritage expert) and is a World Heritage Advisor for the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on the evaluation of nominations, Preliminary Assessment requests, and upstream processes and is a former Vice President of ICOMOS. Kristal was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for services to cultural heritage and education. A Director of PAHSMA since September 2013.

The Board recognises Kristal as an independent Director.

Kristal is a member of the PAHSMA People and Culture Committee.

Ric De Santi

Enrico (Ric) De Santi was appointed to the PAHSMA Board in March 2022 and reappointed for a second term in May 2025. He has extensive public sector and not-for-profit experience in management, accounting, risk management, external audit and reporting. Ric holds several governance positions including as a member of four boards and associated sub-committees. He is also a member or Chair of 10 standalone audit and risk committees, including the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Australian Accounting Standards/Australian Auditing Standards Boards, the South Australian Audit Office and seven Council Audit Panels. He is actively involved with CPA Australia through the Reporting and Assurance Center of Excellence, and the Tasmanian Public Sector and Not for Profit Committees.

The Board recognises Ric as an independent Director.

Ric is the Chair of the PAHSMA Audit, Risk and Governance Committee.

Melinda Percival

Melinda Percival is an experienced leader having worked in multiple sectors including aviation, tourism, energy and telecommunications. She has held a number of executive positions including the General Manager Product and Marketing at Aurora Energy, Manager National Markets at Tourism Tasmania and General Manager Corporate Affairs and Aviation for Hobart Airport focusing on areas of business development, strategy, customer experience, marketing and corporate affairs.

Melinda has held board positions for the Australian Airports Association, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, and Antarctic Tasmania.

Melinda is a member of the PAHSMA Audit, Risk & Governance Committee.

The Board recognises Melinda as an independent Director.

Richard Mulvaney

Richard Mulvaney was appointed to the PAHSMA Board in December 2022, having over 35 years’ experience in the cultural sector and being a strong advocate for museums and heritage sites. He is a past Director of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, CEO of NSW Rail Transport Museum and Director of Bradman Museum and Foundation. He was also the former Vice-President of Museums Australia and has held Board roles on the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board, Theatre North, Churchill Memorial Trust, and NSW Museums Advisory Board. Richard is currently Vice President of the AMaGA.

The Board recognises Richard as an independent Director.

Richard is a member of the PAHSMA Conservation Advisory Committee.

Richard is a member of the PAHMSA Audit, Risk and Governance Committee.

Steve McQueeney

Steve McQueeney has had more than 40 years’ experience owning and or managing businesses in industries as diverse as banking, tourism, hospitality, education, builders’ hardware and health. Steve has held board positions at The Friends’ School and Kidsafe Tasmania. He has held several executive level positions including Development and Community Relations Manager for The Friends’ School, National Operations Manager at Tasbridge Transport and Managing Director of THD Australia Pty Ltd. Steve was recently elected to the position of Councillor on the Tasman Municipal Council and is a past President of the Rotary Club of the Tasman Peninsula. He was the first President of the Tasman Business and Tourism Association and has been President and Festival Director of the Koonya Garlic Festival.

The Board recognises Steve as an independent Director.

Steve is Chair of the PAHSMA People and Culture Committee.

PAHSMA Community Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority Community Advisory Committee is to continue the involvement and support of the local community in the management and conservation of the Port Arthur Historic Site as well as:

• To promote the exchange of information about, and raise awareness of, issues involving the local community and PAHSMA that involve the management and conservation of the Port Arthur Historic Site and the Coal Mines Historic Site.
• To facilitate communication between the Authority and the local community, and to provide a forum to exchange information relevant to PAHSMA issues and local community views and concerns.
• To give the local community an avenue to formally discuss local issues and to work towards identifying and resolving local concerns.
• To provide a mechanism, including helping to source funding, for the active participation of the local community in conservation and tourism actions and activities associated with the Historic Sites.
• To provide an equitable forum in which to allow all committee members to express the views and opinions of their representative groups.

PAHSMA Community Advisory Committee members include:

Rod MacDonald (Chair)
Teresa Moffatt
Susan Flinn
Barry Jennings
Imelda McShane
Keith O’Hara
Vicki Skeggs
Will Flamsteed
Independent Board Member (ex-officio)
Director, Conservation & Infrastructure (ex-officio)

PAHSMA Conservation Advisory Committee

PAHSMA’s Conservation Advisory Committee provides advice to the PAHSMA Board and staff on significant projects and issues that have the potential to impact Port Arthur, the Coal Mines, and the Cascades Female Factory. It also provides a mechanism for the active involvement of the broader Australian heritage community in significant conservation activities associated with the Sites.

Helen Lardner (Chair)

Helen is a registered architect with a Master of Architecture in conservation and 30 years’ experience in cultural heritage. She was appointed to expert positions on the Australian Heritage Council, Victorian Heritage Council and as a sessional member of Planning Panels Victoria.

Helen has provided advice internationally and in Australia for more than ten years on World Heritage sites.  She is the director of HLCD Pty Ltd, a successful and innovative heritage consultancy in Victoria and a member of the Victorian Design Review Panel. Helen has held multiple positions on university academic boards and lectured in Australia and internationally.

Helen is a past president of Australia ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and Chair of the Organising Committee for the ICOMOS 21^st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium.

Janet Carding

Janet has enjoyed a distinguished career in the galleries and museums sector, having served cultural organisations across three continents. Hailing from England, she commenced her career as a curator in Medical History at London’s Science Museum.

In 2004, she migrated to Australia and joined the Australian Museum, Sydney as Assistant Director, Public Programs & Operations. Janet played a key role in the Museum’s Revitalisation Project and, during her tenure, was granted Australian Citizenship.

In 2010, Janet became the first woman to be appointed the Director and CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum, one of Canada’s leading cultural bodies where she broadened the Museum’s audience and raised the profile of its vital, behind-the-scenes research.

In 2015, Janet returned to Australia to become Director of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart. She implemented a successful five-year strategic plan establishing the Museum as a cultural hub for Tasmanians and a key tourist destination. Janet helped strengthen the Museum’s relationship with Tasmania’s Aboriginal people.

Janet is now the Executive Director of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

John Hawker

John Hawker is a horticulturist with over 40 years’ experience working on botanic and historic gardens.  John has qualifications in Agricultural Science and Horticultural Science and in 1989 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study the conservation and management of gardens.

He worked for 23 years at Heritage Victoria assessing places for the Victorian Heritage Register and provided advice on their protection and conservation.  John has undertaken numerous garden surveys, and participated in heritage studies and masterplans.  Since 1982 he has also been involved in the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees and contributed to the Trust’s publications on Cemeteries: Our Heritage and Conserving Cemeteries.  John is a co-author of Elms in Australia.

John is a former committee member of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.  He is currently Patron for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation.

Prof. Richard Mackay

Prof Richard Mackay, AM has worked in heritage management and cultural tourism for more than four decades, at major cultural places throughout Australia and Asia.

Richard is the Director of Possibilities at Mackay Strategic and an ICOMOS World Heritage advisor. A former Chair of the Australian World Heritage Advisory Committee, he was responsible for the heritage component of the Commonwealth State of the Environment reports between 2011 and 2016, and a review of the Tasmanian Historic Cultural Heritage Act, and the team leader for the Port Arthur Conservation Plan and Statutory Management Plan. He is a globally recognised expect on heritage impact assessment and contributed to the Port Arthur Visitor Centre and Cascades Female Factory History and Interpretation Centre projects.

Marty Passingham

Marty Passingham has over 25 years practical experience working in cultural heritage in a range of contexts. Initially trained as a carpenter and joiner, he quickly found a niche in built heritage conservation and maintenance. Marty has formal Project Management expertise and successfully delivered a range of complex projects, including the Cascade Female Factory History and Interpretation Centre. Marty has been instrumental to the success of many Mawsons Huts Foundation field campaigns in Antarctica, managing expedition logistics, leading field teams and undertaking heritage carpentry. Currently Marty works at the Australian Antarctic Division and is a board member of APT Longford Academy, supporting the training of built heritage trade skills.

Ross Stanger

Alan Croker

Kate Darian Smith

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority is an Accredited Australian Tourism Business that has been recognised with many awards for work and achievement across its operations including the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Gold for Major Tourist Attraction, as well as Gold at the 2019 Australian Tourism Awards under the Major Tourist Attractions category and two Gold Awards at the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for Major Tourist Attractions and Cultural Tourism.

Sites managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority have repeatedly been named Tasmania’s best Major Tourist Attraction and best Cultural Tourism experience, along with numerous other accolades.

Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority Half-Year Report December 2025
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority Ministerial Charter 
Port Arthur Historic Site Statutory Management Plan (currently under review)
PAHSMA Annual Report 2023-24
PAHSMA Statement of Corporate Intent 2024-25
PAHSMA Strategic Plan 2023 – 28
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority PID 2025
Port Arthur Historic Site Customer Service Charter
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority Personal Information Protection Policy
PAHSMA Annual Report 2024-25
PAHSMA Organisational Structure

Officers and employees of the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority do not expect to receive gifts, benefits or hospitality for doing a job they are paid for by the public to do.  In most instances, “thanks” is enough.  If a gift, benefit or hospitality is accepted, it is declared here in accordance with the Tasmanian Government Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy released by the State Service under Section 15(1)(b) of the State Service Act 2000.

Port Arthur Historic Site offers an exciting, diverse range of work and career opportunities – from tourism positions including visitor services, guiding, hospitality, and administration to heritage management roles such as research, archaeology and conservation of buildings and landscapes. Our team includes everything from seasonal, part-time and casual staff to full-time positions.

Available positions are advertised through the Tasmanian Government Careers website, and in the Mercury and Tasman Gazette newspapers. Check our careers and volunteers page, or contact us to find out more.

Keeping children and young people safe is the responsibility of the whole Tasmanian community.  PAHSMA is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and has zero tolerance for child harm of any kind.  If a child or youth is at immediate risk, call 000 or contact Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123.

The PAHSMA Child and Youth Safe Organisations Policy reinforces our commitment to protecting children and young people and providing an environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe. 

Report concerns or complaints
Any parent, carer or member of the community who has observed behaviour by a PAHSMA worker that causes concern should report it to us via the report link below.  This includes reports of physical violence, sexual misconduct, sexual offences, grooming or other reportable conduct committed against, or in the presence of, children and young people.

All children and young people have the right to be safe and to feel safe.  If you are a child or young person who doesn’t feel safe, talk to an adult you trust, like a parent, carer, teacher or a friend’s mum or dad.  This could be about the way our staff have behaved or if you’re unhappy with the way you’re being treated.  You can make a complaint on your own or ask someone to support you to do it.

Support services
If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, contact the support services listed here.

Personal information collected

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) will only collect personal information by fair and lawful means that are necessary for or conducive to the functions of PAHSMA.

Under the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, PAHSMA is the custodian of personal information and the collection, use and disclosure of that information is governed by the Act. In some circumstances specific legislation may apply to the collection and/use of certain information. In these particular circumstances, individuals will be advised of the specific legislation requiring the collection and use of personal information.

The type of personal information collected includes names, addresses and telephone numbers, together with any specific information about a person that may be required for the purpose of discharging PAHSMA functions.

PAHSMA will take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information held is accurate, complete and up to date. Where practicable, PAHSMA will check on the accuracy of personal information before it is used.

Sensitive information

Sensitive Information includes things like health information, criminal record, racial origin and sexual preferences. Generally, PAHSMA will only collect sensitive information if it is necessary and with consent, or if the collection of that information is required by law.

Anonymity

If you are making a general enquiry, it may not be necessary to identify yourself. However, if you want to obtain a service, identification may be necessary.

Unique identifiers

We do not assign unique identifiers to people unless it is necessary for us to carry out our functions efficiently or is required by law. We do not adopt as our unique identifiers the unique identifiers from other organisations. However, we may collect the unique identifiers assigned to you by another organisation, but we will not disclose these without lawful authority.

Access to and correction of information collected

The Personal Information Protection Act 2004 provides that you can access your personal information that is held by the PAHSMA. If you consider the personal information to be incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading, you can request that the information be amended.

Requests to access or correct your personal information held by PAHSMA will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009, as required by Schedule 1 clause 6 of the Personal Information Protection Act 2004.

For further information contact:

PIP Contact Officer
Address: Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority, Port Arthur, 7182.
Contact us

Depending upon the nature of the request a fee may be charged for this service.

If you are not satisfied with the handling or outcome of your request for access to or correction of your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted on 03 6233 6217, or 1800 001 170 (cost of local call outside Hobart area), or by email at ombudsman@ombudsman.tas.gov.au.

Use and disclosure of personal information

PAHSMA staff are only provided with or have access to the information that is necessary for them to carry out their functions. All staff are bound by confidentiality requirements. Personal information will be used only for the purpose that is identified to you. Otherwise, your personal information will only be disclosed with your consent, or if it is required by or authorised by law.

For example, there may be a need to disclose some or all information collected to contractors and agents of the PAHSMA, law enforcement agencies, courts, or other public sector bodies or other authorised organisations under relevant legislations. The Personal Information Protection Act permits the disclosure of “basic personal information” (that is, name, address, date of birth and gender) to other public sector bodies where necessary for the efficient storage and use of information.

Some personal information collected may be used in research, statistical analysis, state or national reporting, awareness programs, public statements or training, but not in a way which would identify the person to whom it relates.

Personal information in written submissions on policy matters or matters of public consultation may be disclosed in reports that are made public, unless the submission was submitted and/or accepted on a confidential basis.

Security of personal information

PAHSMA use a number of procedural, physical, and technical safeguards, including access controls, secure methods of communication and back-up and recovery systems to protect information from misuse and loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. Generally, there is an intention that information is destroyed or permanently de-identified when it is no longer required, but this can only be done in accordance with processes approved by the State Archivist under the Archives Act 1983.

Right to Information

The Right to Information Act 2009 gives members of the public a right to obtain information held by Tasmanian public authorities and Ministers. It is intended to improve democratic government by increasing accountability and participation in public processes.

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) is a public authority for the purposes of the Act. PAHSMA makes information available through required, routine, active and assessed disclosure.

Finding Information

Before making a formal application, you may be able to obtain the information you need by:

• searching the PAHSMA website
• reviewing PAHSMA annual reports, corporate publications and policies
• contacting PAHSMA on 1800 659 101 or at enquiry@portarthur.org.au
• searching Tasmania Online or contacting Service Tasmania
• searching the Libraries Tasmania and Tasmanian Archives catalogue for older records.

If you cannot find the information, contact PAHSMA. We may be able to provide it through active disclosure or help you make an application for assessed disclosure.

Applications for assessed disclosure

An application must be made in writing and must provide enough information to identify the information you are seeking. You do not have to use PAHSMA’s form, but using it will help ensure your application contains the minimum information required by the Right to Information Regulations 2021.

Download: Application for Assessed Disclosure under the Right to Information Act 2009

Send your application to:

Email: RTIOfficer@portarthur.org.au

Post: Right to Information Officer
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
Port Arthur TAS 7182

Application  Fee

The application fee is 25 fee units, currently $49.00 for the 2026–27 financial year. The fee is indexed annually. Contact PAHSMA before lodging your application to arrange payment. Your application cannot be accepted until the fee has been paid or a fee waiver has been granted.

You may apply to have the fee waived if:

• you are experiencing financial hardship
• you are a Member of Parliament and the application is connected with your official duty
• you can show that the information will be used for a purpose of general public interest or benefit.

If you request a waiver, explain the relevant circumstances and attach supporting information where appropriate.

Payment can be made through the Accounts Payable team:
Email: accpay@portarthur.org.au

Phone: 03 6251 2302

What happens after you apply

1. PAHSMA will check that the application contains the required information and that the fee has been paid or waived.
2. We may contact you to clarify or refine the scope of your request.
3. If another public authority or Minister is better placed to deal with the request, PAHSMA may transfer all or part of it and will notify you.
4. Once accepted, PAHSMA will assess the application under the Right to Information Act 2009 and notify you of the decision in writing.

A decision is generally due as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after the application is accepted. The period may be extended by agreement, in certain complex or voluminous matters, or by a further 20 working days if consultation with a third party is required.

Review of decision

If information is refused, the written decision will explain the reasons and your review rights. If the original decision was made by a delegated officer, you may request an internal review by writing to the Chief Executive Officer. If the original decision was made by PAHSMA’s Chief Executive Officer, or after an internal review, you may apply to the Ombudsman for external review.

If PAHSMA does not notify you of a decision within the applicable period, the application is taken to have been refused and you may apply to the Ombudsman for review.

Legislation and guidance

• Right to Information Act 2009
• Right to Information Regulations 2021
• Ombudsman Tasmania – Right to Information information, Manual and Guidelines