Arabic version: شرطة تسمانيا تنهي إحالة قضية الوجبات الخفيفة في بلدية هوبارت

According to ABC News, Tasmania Police will take no further action over allegations that Hobart deputy lord mayor Zelinda Sherlock removed snacks and drinks from an elected members’ lounge at Hobart Town Hall. The decision follows a Hobart City Council referral made in late July.

Cr Sherlock had faced criticism from some fellow elected members after CCTV footage showed her taking snacks and drinks alongside an unidentified person. She apologised, saying she had misunderstood the policy governing the items in the lounge.

In a letter to the council’s chief executive, Acting Commander Vanessa Castle said police reviewed extensive material supplied by the council, including correspondence, file notes, CCTV footage, legal advice and other supporting documentation. Police then referred the available evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration.

The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions advised that no further action should be taken. Cr Sherlock shared the police letter on social media, saying police would not be investigating a “wanna-be” snack scandal and adding the hashtag “#dirtypolitics”.

The Office of Local Government had also declined to act. Acting Director of Local Government Luke Gregory said in early September that the matter did not fall within his jurisdiction, while reminding elected members of their expected standards of personal conduct and integrity. He described the episode as an unfortunate and unhelpful distraction for the council and community. Tasmania’s local government election ballot packs are due to arrive by post on October 5, with polls closing on October 27.