Four Hobart City councillors have formally requested an investigation into the conduct of Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds following confirmation she breached Tasmania’s privacy laws.
The request, submitted on Friday to Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent, comes after Reynolds leaked private details of Councillor Louise Elliot to transgender activists.
Councillors John Kelly, Marti Zucco, Louise Elliot and Will Coats signed the letter, seen by Pulse, which described the matter as a “serious governance, conduct and risk” issue requiring urgent attention.
They expressed particular concern over Reynolds’ response to the Ombudsman in his report, which noted that she believed her conduct was lawful and legitimate.
“We find this deeply concerning as, without acceptance that the conduct was unlawful and unethical, there is a high risk that this conduct will be repeated,” their letter stated.
“We seek your urgent attention to this matter given the seriousness of the breaches and the Lord Mayor’s lack of understanding and/or acknowledgment that compliance with the law is not optional.”
The group has requested that the Director of Local Government file a code of conduct complaint to investigate potential breaches.
These could include whether the actions violated requirements for councillors to act openly and honestly in the public interest or whether they have brought the council into disrepute.
“We believe that it is proper and appropriate for the Lord Mayor to be stood down via an appropriate mechanism and/or asked to take leave until the above and any other pathways for accountability you see fit are finalised,” the councillors wrote.
Vincent, previously the mayor of Sorell for 12 years, was unavailable for comment.
A state government spokesperson instead confirmed that the concerns raised by the councillors had been received and that the minister would respond “in due course”.
