The boss of a peak body, designed to support the education and leadership of the nation's nurses, has been sacked after an investigation found alleged "financial irregularities" within the organisation.
In April, Kylie Ward was stood down as chief executive of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), during an investigation by third-party legal and forensic financial experts.
The ABC understands the investigation was prompted by internal complaints but specific details have not been made public, and the board declined to answer questions put to it by the ABC.
After an investigation that lasted more than a month, the college issued a written statement announcing the Board had "terminated" the employment of Ms Ward and the college's National Director of Partnerships Karoline Dawe.
"The investigation, which was carried out by third-party legal and forensic financial experts, concluded that in relation to Ms Ward and Ms Dawe there were financial irregularities," the statement read.
It added that "actions by them were undertaken despite the clear established policies, delegations and ethical standards of the ACN."
It's a claim rejected by Ms Ward, who said she only found out about her termination when an email was sent by the ACN to all staff.
"Despite these years of service, I discovered that my employment was ended via a public announcement to the ACN membership, which is unacceptable and incredibly disappointing given my years of service to the organisation," Ms Ward said.
The ABC understands the Board had advised of the termination viaMs Ward’s lawyer.
Ms Ward said she was disappointed by how the situation had been handled, adding that she had always acted with professionalism, ethics and integrity.
"I deny the allegations made and any wrongdoing and I will pursue my legal options," Ms Ward said.
"All finances of ACN were independently audited and signed off by the Board during my appointment as the CEO.
"I am a proud nurse, someone who has dedicated my life to a profession I love. I have always stood up for nurses across our country and have dedicated over 30 years of my life to the Australian College of Nursing, including as a Fellow of ACN and in my service as its CEO for the past 8.5 years."
The college's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Neil Haynes, who was stood down from his position in April, has since decided to leave the college.
The ABC understands no wrongdoing was found against him. However, the Board said he had "failed to uphold acceptable governance practices and policies".
In a statement, Mr Haynes strenuously denied the accusation.
"The investigation found that Mr Haynes was not responsible for financial irregularities and did not establish any dishonest conduct by him," he said.
Mr Haynes worked for the college for more than a decade and was named COO of the Year for 2021 by CEO Magazine.
A fourth employee working in senior management has returned to her role after no findings were made against her.
The college is a not-for-profit professional organisation with 150,000 members across Australia.
In its latest financial report, ACN's total revenue was almost $23 million.
ACN members have been notified of the outcome of the investigation and the departure of the executives.
The Board said the findings of the investigation had no impact on ACN's operations or its financial position.
The college says it works to support nurses in upholding "the highest possible standards of integrity, clinical expertise, ethical conduct, and professionalism."
It says interim CEO, Emeritus Professor Leanne Boyd, will continue to head the ACN until a replacement is found.
The board has also taken steps to assure its members and staff that the current "transition" would allow it to strengthen the organisation and its culture.
"We are committed to taking all necessary steps to address the findings of the review and to reinforce a culture of accountability and transparency," the Board wrote in a statement.
Throughout her tenure at the college, Ms Ward also established herself as a well-known media commentator.
On her website, she described herself as a "dynamic leader and empathetic advocate for equality, women and children; passionate about improving the lives of all Australians."
In 2017 she won Telstra Businesswoman of the Year in ACT for Purpose and Social Enterprise.
Ms Dawe did not to respond to the ABC’s request for comment.
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