Agency apologises over unlawful CEO sacking

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) has been forced to issue an apology to its former chief executive officer Priscilla Atkins after she was unlawfully sacked last year.

Ms Atkins successfully sued NAAJA for wrongful dismissal after the Federal court found the organisation had contravened the Fair Work Act when it terminated her contract.

The court also ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove any of the allegations against her.

Former chief executive officer Priscilla Atkins has received a public apology.

“NAAJA apologises without reservation to Ms Atkins for the unlawful action it took against her and the hurt, pain and suffering she endured as a result of those actions, as well as any damage suffered to Ms Atkins’s reputation by reason of NAAJA’s actions,” the statement read.

“NAAJA sincerely hopes to move forward from the events of the past two years in a professional and cooperative way with Ms Atkins for the benefit of Ms Atkins, NAAJA and the community that NAAJA proudly serves.”

The two parties will return to court next month for arbitration.