The Department of Justice has confirmed that the former director of the National Trust in Tasmania has pleaded not guilty to stealing almost $150,000 worth of items from his former employer, after a suppression order on the matter was lifted earlier this week.Matthew Paul Smithies, 63, was first charged in November 2023, but a suppression order has prevented media from reporting on the matter until it was lifted on Monday.Court documents from April 2024 show that Mr Smithies was charged with stealing more than 30 items between 2014 and 2021, valued at approximately $148,000.The list included:The ABC tried to confirm Mr Smithies' plea on Monday, but the Supreme Court was not able to provide it due to the suppression order in place.The Department of Justice has since confirmed Mr Smithies had pleaded not guilty in May 2024, and the matter was committed to the Supreme Court.The National Trust is the peak heritage body in Australia, with state and territory branches working to protect heritage places, structures, lands, environments and objects for the public benefit.The Tasmanian branch owns eight historic properties, including Clarendon Estate and Franklin House in the state's north.The properties contain historic furniture and other items owned by the National Trust.Mr Smithies was appointed managing director in 2014 but left the role in December 2020 and resigned in July 2021.His matter will return to the Supreme Court in May.