Several Hobart councillors have called for Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock to resign following revelations that she took taxpayer-funded snacks and drinks from the Town Hall's elected members' lounge for her home office.
In January 2024, CCTV footage showed Cr Sherlock and an unidentified companion leaving the lounge after hours carrying a shopping bag allegedly filled with workplace refreshments on two occasions. The items reportedly included seven bottles of soft drink, three bottles of wine, seven bottles of beer, and six packets of nuts. A separate email indicated that employees had noticed unexplained dwindling stock since at least June 2023.
Despite a motion by four councillors for an independent investigation failing, the issue resurfaced after Councillor Louise Elliot obtained documents through right-to-information provisions. Cr Elliot criticized the actions, highlighting "the premeditation of bringing empty bags," "late and early weekend trips to avoid being seen," the volume of missing products, and the disappearance of alcohol. She also questioned the plausibility of Cr Sherlock's claim of misunderstanding the policy, noting her legal and linguistics background.
Mr Noye, a council colleague, said he spoke to Cr Sherlock about the removal of refreshments after the CCTV footage emerged. Cr Sherlock explained on social media that she believed the refreshments could be consumed while working from home "during COVID and beyond," as much of her work was conducted remotely, and apologized for misunderstanding the policy.
The integrity commission has dismissed the case, but backlash from councillors continues.
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