Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent has put Hobart City Council on notice, saying he’s watching the council closely and wants councillors focused on serving ratepayers rather than making headlines.
His warning comes as four councillors push for an independent investigation into allegations Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock took food and drinks from Town Hall for personal use.
“I’d much rather see vibrant building applications being talked about, not snacks and drinks,” Vincent said.
When asked if he’s keeping an eye on the council, he said “always”.
Vincent said he has limited ability to step in but relies on council CEOs to manage “different personalities”.
“We need to keep focusing on what’s best for the ratepayers,” he said.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds rejected suggestions the council is dysfunctional but urged colleagues to focus on substantive issues.
“Sometimes these types of disputes are good for headlines,” she said.
The controversy centres on council documents from January 2024 showing Sherlock was caught on CCTV removing refreshments from the Elected Members’ Lounge after staff noticed unusual stock levels.
Alderman Marti Zucco and councillors Louise Elliot, John Kelly and Will Coats have lodged a motion for next week’s meeting calling for an external probe.
“This conduct would rightly not be tolerated by staff and there cannot be one standard for elected members and another for council employees,” Kelly said.
“In an employment setting, taking from your employer is serious misconduct that would usually get you sacked.”
Elliot said the matter raised transparency concerns. “Unfortunately, this council has a history of coverups,” she said.
The motion will be debated on 27 January.
