Arabic version: انتخابات مجلس هوبارت تتسم بخلافات بين المرشحين

According to ABC News, Hobart City Council’s re-election contest has been marked by social media disputes and personal attacks as Tasmanian local government elections begin. Postal votes for council elections across Tasmania are due by 2pm on October 27.

Former Hobart lord mayor Rob Valentine said residents were tired of the infighting, describing some campaign behaviour as “juvenile”. He said voters wanted candidates focused on issues facing the city and able to discuss their differing views like adults.

Tensions escalated after a Hobart candidate forum hosted by property and business groups on Monday evening. Forum co-host Alex Johnston said the event went “pear-shaped” after councillor Ryan Posselt’s father asked a question without identifying his connection to the lord mayor candidate. Mr Johnston said “ugly scenes” followed the debate when Cr Posselt’s mother argued with councillors John Kelly and Louise Elliot.

In a statement, Cathy Posselt said she was “deeply ashamed” and apologised for behaviour she described as inappropriate. Cr Posselt said his father should have identified himself, while calling the question genuine. He said he was not responsible for anyone’s behaviour except his own and criticised Cr Elliot for filming his mother. Cr Kelly called verbal abuse of candidates unacceptable, while Cr Elliot said there was a line for offensive conduct.

The campaign has also featured criticism over Cr Posselt’s social media call to vote for younger candidates rather than “men in their sixties and seventies”, an admission by deputy lord mayor Zelinda Sherlock that she took snacks and drinks from a council lounge on multiple occasions, and a dispute over campaign sign placement.

Acting Director of Local Government Luke Gregory had already warned Hobart councillors this year about disrespectful and demeaning conduct at meetings. In July, he said a previous meeting had fallen well short of expected standards and warned that continuing deterioration could prompt consideration of regulatory options. Mr Valentine said social media was partly driving the campaign tone and urged voters to consider who they elect.