Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has been charged with a summary offence following an alleged incident that occurred during a public meeting in May 2022.
The common assault allegations, which were brought about by now fellow council member Louise Elliot after the alleged incident, will see Ms Reynolds face the Hobart Magistrates Court in May.
Ms Elliot claims that Ms Reynolds grabbed her arm during a meeting regarding the University of Tasmania’s move into the Hobart CBD.
However, the mayor has repeatedly denied these allegations, saying that she only touched Ms Elliot’s arm to get her attention when she walked past her.
“I reached out from my seat and touched your arm to get your attention as you walked past me,” Ms Reynolds said in a public apology last year.
“Having got your attention you stopped and leaned to hear what I was saying, as I was speaking with a face mask on. We spoke very briefly. I did not physically detain you.”
Despite the charges, Ms Reynolds remains eligible under the Local Government Act 1993 to stay on the Council and as Lord Mayor.
“I continue to deny any unlawful conduct and will vigorously defend the allegation,” Ms Reynolds said in a statement.
“While the complaint relates to an alleged incident before Councillor Elliot was elected to Council, I am committed to working with Councillor Elliot respectfully and productively in the best interests of the community.”
With the matter now before the courts, Ms Reynolds has refrained from making any further comment.
