Arabic version: مجلس هوبارت يحيل قضية وجبات شيرلوك الخفيفة إلى الشرطة

According to ABC News, Hobart City Council has voted to refer a matter involving Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock taking snacks and drinks from a council lounge to Tasmania Police and the director of local government. The items were intended to be consumed in the council’s Elected Members’ Lounge, and Sherlock has apologised, saying she misunderstood the policy.

Newly released minutes from a closed meeting held on Monday show councillors voted 5–3 to write to the two bodies. The council said it was making no finding about any person’s conduct while independent processes remained incomplete. Chief executive Michael Stretton cited differing views about the conduct and the council’s response, ongoing public interest and the need to maintain confidence in local-government governance arrangements.

Stretton said the council would make further material available if requested, including records, correspondence, file notes, CCTV material, legal advice, council reports and supporting documentation. Councillor Louise Elliot, who has called for Sherlock to step down, said she wanted the relevant authorities to receive all available evidence and consider it independently. She described the council resolution as “pathetic, but better than nothing”.

In a social-media post on Friday, Sherlock said she had already been investigated. She wrote that independent legal advice in January 2026 found no misconduct, Tasmania Police concluded in March there was insufficient evidence for an offence, and the Integrity Commission investigated and cleared her of misconduct in June. Sherlock said no council policy was broken, repeated her apology to Hobart residents, and said she had made a meaningful donation to Hobart City Mission after offering to repay the council for the items. She has said she will not resign from council.