A Hobart City Councillor won’t be seen around the council table for the next month after she was slapped with a suspension.
Louise Elliott confirmed on Friday morning that she had been suspended for a month due to a “code of conduct complaint” and was in the process of appealing the decision.
“What’s happening to me is part of a broader attack on local government representatives across the country,” Elliot wrote online.
“This flawed and extreme situation could very well be overturned, but my suspension cannot be rewound.”
Elliot had sparked speculation earlier this week when she changed the name of her Facebook page from “Louise Elliot – Councillor, Hobart City Council” to “Louise Elliot – Hobart City Community Member”.
Shortly after making the change on Monday, Elliot said: “I haven’t quit, and won’t be. I’m not allowed to say any more at the moment.”
Exact details surrounding the complaint and the circumstances of the suspension are yet to be confirmed by local government officials.
In Tasmania, leaking confidential documents relating to a code of conduct report can lead to an up to $10,000 fine.
Elliot is expected to miss two council meetings during her 30-day suspension.
