Arabic version: وولي يتعهد بمسار جديد لمجلس هوبارت

According to ABC News, Hobart Lord Mayor Charles Wooley has pledged to “turn the ship around” after the new Hobart City Council was sworn in following the recent local government election.

The council has drawn attention in recent years over in-fighting, code-of-conduct complaints and social media disputes. The election campaign also featured personal attacks between candidates, while the former council had been warned by acting Director of Local Government Luke Gregory over “disrespectful” and “demeaning” conduct at meetings.

Speaking at Monday evening’s ceremony, Wooley said he was not interested in “political power or social engineering” and wanted to be a “people’s mayor”. He said Hobart residents were angry and had cause, adding that he hoped he could help.

Wooley asked councillors to leave political allegiances at the door and seek to avoid another eight years of discord. He requested patience and mutual cooperation, saying councillors should rule for the people of Hobart rather than political parties.

Seven of the nine representatives served on the previous council. Hobart’s number of councillor seats was reduced from 12 to nine as part of a statewide reduction from 263 councillors to 213. Councillors will elect a deputy lord mayor at their first meeting on November 16.