The mother of Hobart lord mayoral candidate Ryan Posselt has apologised “unreservedly” for her behaviour at a council candidate forum, saying she feels “deeply ashamed”.
In a statement released today, Cathy Posselt said her conduct at the Property Council forum on Monday night was “inappropriate and wrong” and her actions did not reflect her son’s campaign.
On Monday night, security asked her to leave at her son’s request after she confronted rival candidates over her husband being named during question time and an alleged derogatory comment she claimed another councillor had previously made.
During audience question time, her husband Ron Posselt, who did not identify himself, asked why the bike lanes on Collins Street were such a priority for some councillors.
Councillor Marti Zucco took the question and addressed him as “Mr Posselt”, before Cathy Posselt could be heard calling out “you’re rude, you’re a rude person, you are so rude, you are a misogynist”.
Cathy Posselt said her son knew she and her husband would be attending but did not know they intended to ask a question.
“It was ill-advised to ask the question without identifying ourselves and our relationship to Ryan,” she said.
“Although the question was legitimate and asked in good faith, we should have been transparent.”
After the forum ended, Cathy Posselt confronted a group of candidates, while organisers and candidates from across the political spectrum tried to calm the situation.
She said she felt “vulnerable, harassed and threatened” when councillor Louise Elliot began taking photographs and video of the exchange.
“Those feelings contributed to my reaction and the escalation that followed, but they do not excuse my behaviour,” she said.
“I take responsibility for how I responded.”
Her apology extended to everyone involved and to those whose evening was disrupted.
“Especially to my son, Ryan, for the ruckus I caused and the damage my behaviour has done to his reputation,” she said.
Speaking to Pulse after the forum, Ryan Posselt said he did not witness most of what happened but acknowledged it was his decision to have security called on his mother.
He took aim at councillor Louise Elliot for filming the ordeal.
“It is not okay for an elected member, a supposed leader of this city, to get their mobile phone out in a moment like that and film it,” he said.
In a statement on Monday night, Elliot said she “didn’t expect to have a candidate’s mother act so unhinged” and noted the woman also began filming her.
State government minister Jo Palmer this morning said she was aware of the incident and it was “disappointing to see what happened”.
“We certainly expect, as with any level of government, for there to be respectful and kind debate,” she said.
“I think our community judges us on the way that we are able to control ourselves regardless of the environment.”
The minister said debate should always be conducted “in a kind and a respectful manner”.
“It is okay to agree to disagree and to walk away from a debate,” she said.
