Ryan Posselt has declared his candidacy for Hobart’s top job, announcing he will seek election as Lord Mayor in October.
The current councillor made the announcement in a personal social media post that featured his young son exploring The Forest, the University of Tasmania’s new inner-CBD learning hub.
“I’m pleased to announce I’ll be asking for your vote as Lord Mayor of the most beautiful city in the world this October,” Posselt said.
He said his vision centred on building “a future centred in togetherness and shared goals, not divisiveness and negativity.”
Posselt’s candidacy comes after a term marked by code of conduct disputes with fellow councillors and heated debates over planning reforms.
The councillor was involved in a high-profile complaint against colleague Louise Elliot over social media posts, with an independent panel finding Elliot’s conduct breached council standards.
Elliot served a seven-day suspension after posts that called Posselt “Clown Man”.
Posselt himself was also found to have breached conduct rules by participating in a childcare centre discussion involving a facility his children attended.
His policy agenda has focused heavily on increasing housing density in Hobart’s inner areas and reforming land use planning.
As transport committee chair, he has pushed for major infrastructure upgrades including the Domain/Brooker Highway junction and improved pedestrian safety measures.
One of his most contentious proposals involved banning new broadacre car yards in the CBD to free up land for housing development. The motion sparked fierce industry backlash and was deferred for consultation.
Posselt said his campaign would focus on protecting children’s futures and building a city of hope rather than despair.
“I pondered how to live in a world of hope, not despair and how I can lead this city to a better future not just for Reuben [his son] but for the baby born tomorrow and the one that comes the day after that,” he said.
