Arabic version: مستشارو هوبارت يواجهون نقاشاً مغلقاً بشأن خلاف حول الوجبات الخفيفة

According to ABC News, Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock has admitted and apologised for taking snacks and drinks from the council’s elected members’ lounge over several years. The dispute is set for a closed council debate on Monday night after Councillor Louise Elliot tabled a motion seeking an investigation.

The issue resurfaced after Cr Elliot obtained documents and emails through Tasmania’s right-to-information laws. They included CCTV images showing Cr Sherlock and an unidentified companion entering and leaving the council building after hours on two occasions in January 2024, with a shopping bag said to contain workplace refreshments.

Emails cited by ABC News said soft drinks, three bottles of wine, seven bottles of beer, nuts and chocolates had been removed from the lounge after no events were held. Employees had reportedly noticed dwindling stock since at least June 2023. Cr Sherlock wrote on LinkedIn that she had taken snacks for her home office until staff told her, a couple of years ago, they could not be consumed elsewhere.

Acting Director of Local Government Luke Gregory said the proposed investigation was unnecessary because his office was already aware of the matter. He said regulatory responsibilities should not be used to further individual members’ agendas against political opponents. The motion also calls for council support to write to Tasmania Police, although Mr Gregory said allegations had already been referred to police.

Cr Sherlock has separately reported claims that Cr Elliot blackmailed her to police, which are being reviewed. She referred herself to Tasmania’s Integrity Commission, which declined to investigate after finding the conduct did not constitute misconduct. Cr Sherlock is due to become acting lord mayor when Anna Reynolds resigns in August, ahead of local government elections in October.