A dispute over snacks and drinks taken from council premises has led to a closed-door debate among Hobart city councillors, with a motion calling for an investigation into the conduct of Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock. The councillors are bound by strict confidentiality rules regarding discussions held in closed sessions, preventing them from disclosing the specifics of the meeting’s outcome. However, some have urged for a measured approach, suggesting the matter should not devolve into a political conflict, especially with local government elections scheduled for October.
Snack Saga Sparks Council Debate
The core of the controversy involves Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock admitting to and apologizing for taking snacks and beverages from the Town Hall council lounge over an unspecified period. While the Integrity Commission previously reviewed the matter and determined her actions did not constitute misconduct, a new motion was tabled during a recent closed council meeting. This motion, put forth by councillors Louise Elliot, John Kelly, and Will Coats, along with alderman Marti Zucco, sought to have the director of local government investigate both Cr Sherlock’s conduct and the council’s internal handling of the issue. The motion also proposed contacting Tasmania Police for their input.
The acting director of local government, Luke Gregory, had previously indicated that a referral to his office was not necessary, as he was already aware of the situation and it had been passed on to the police. The debate occurred within a closed council agenda, a decision that followed a separate unsuccessful motion by Cr Elliot to discuss the matter publicly.
Confidentiality and Legal Ramifications
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds emphasized the legal constraints surrounding information shared in closed council meetings. She explained that the Local Government Act in Tasmania imposes strict rules on the disclosure of such information, with significant penalties, including the potential dismissal of a councillor or disqualification from running for office for up to seven years, for breaches. “It has penalties, and that can include dismissing a councillor and/or someone not being able to run for seven years if we disclose information that’s in a closed council agenda – so it is serious, and that is part of the nature of government,” Cr Reynolds stated.
Cr Reynolds also suggested that the matter should not remain solely within the council’s purview. “All of the relevant agencies that might have a concern with this particular matter have got all the information, it’s now their job to either pursue it or not pursue it,” she remarked, adding that it was “really not so much of a political process, or if it is, that’s probably not the best process.”
Shifting Perspectives and Election Context
The council is reportedly divided into two informal factions. The larger group is understood to include Cr Reynolds and Cr Sherlock, often characterized as progressive or left-leaning. Cr Elliot is associated with a smaller, more conservative faction. Councillor Ben Lohberger, generally considered part of Hobart’s progressive councillors, shared that his view on the situation evolved after the release of CCTV footage showing Cr Sherlock leaving the Town Hall with shopping bags. Initially, he had dismissed the issue as a minor matter, telling 936 ABC Radio Hobart, “Honestly before that, I thought it was just a few bottles of soft drink and a few chocolate bars here and there. I thought it was a big beat up.” However, the visual evidence prompted a change in his perspective: “But it does appear that entire bag loads of items have been removed, and I actually think that’s unacceptable.”
Despite this shift, Cr Lohberger expressed a desire to move past the controversy. “I wanted to focus on getting the business of council done and trying not to waste too much time on all these manufactured crises that are upon us with the election campaign,” he commented.
Upcoming Elections and Political Support
The current political landscape in Hobart is further complicated by the upcoming council elections in October. Notably, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is set to resign in August, which will result in Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock temporarily assuming the role of acting mayor until the elections. Cr Sherlock is campaigning for re-election as deputy lord mayor on a Greens ticket, running alongside fellow councillor Bill Harvey. Cr Harvey has affirmed his support for Cr Sherlock’s bid, stating there have been “no changes” to their ticket.
Cr Sherlock joined the Tasmanian Greens in December of the previous year. Rosalie Woodruff, the state Greens leader, has publicly backed Cr Sherlock, highlighting her dedication to the community. “She is such a strong advocate for the community and it is amazing to have a woman of her calibre and her experience,” Woodruff stated. Woodruff also criticized what she described as “toxic language” from some councillors, noting that the office of local government had previously cautioned Hobart City councillors against using their positions for political gain.
Conclusion: Navigating Conduct and Politics
The ongoing snack saga has placed Hobart’s City Council under a spotlight, raising questions about conduct, confidentiality, and the intersection of personal actions with public office. As the council navigates this sensitive issue under strict legal and procedural guidelines, the upcoming local government elections add another layer of complexity. The resolution of this matter, and how it is perceived by the public, could influence the political dynamics within the council and the outcomes of the October elections.
