Former King Island councillor Sabrina Laidler calls for Local Government Act to change

A former Tasmanian councillor was kicked out of the role after needing leave to care for her dying husband. Now she wants to see the “black and white” law change.

Cape Wickham Lighthouse, King Island

A King Island councillor has been kicked out of her local government position for missing three consecutive meetings, which she missed while caring for her husband battling brain disease in Hobart.

Sabrina Laidler wants the laws changed to allow for someone who might also find themselves in her position.

Mrs Laidler missed the three council meetings after her husband’s health deteriorated.

Battling a brain tumour, he had to be flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital after complications, with Mrs Laidler having to spend large parts of her time taking care of him.

She was informed by the King Island Council general manager that she had to leave.

“I was very overwhelmed because I am very committed to my councillor role,” Mrs Laidler said.

“It was the one thing I maintained.

“I had given up numerous committees because of my husband’s ill health and me being his carer.”

Mrs Laidler’s husband died a few days after she found out she was no longer a councillor.

“I also lost my councillor allowance at a time when I knew finances would be up in the air for the next few months.”

Former King Island councillor Sabrina Laidler. Picture: Supplied.

Mrs Laidler wants to see the rules change for councillors in Tasmania.

“A number of other states have compassionate grounds or accept apologies and emergency situations that happen,” she said.

“In Tasmania, the legislation is very black and white.”

A councillor can put in a leave of absence on behalf of one of their colleagues, but that did not happen in Mrs Laidler’s case.

Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey.

King Islanders will now have to vote next month in a by-election to replace Mrs Laidler.

However, she said she would contest the election.

“I’m hoping I can get back in so I can finish my term as a councillor,” she said.

“I have a good knowledge of the community, and I’m very passionate about the community, so I really want to be able to stand and advocate on behalf of my community.”

King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said it was likely Mrs Laidler could re-stand in the by-election unopposed.

“She is keen to return and complete her commitments for the remainder of this tenure, which is commendable,” Mr Blackie said.

“She is the sentimental favourite, and we would welcome her back into the fold.”

While he did not comment on her case or whether the law was fair, Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey said there were many ways a councillor could leave office under the Local Government Act.

“The office of a councillor becomes vacant if the councillor dies, resigns, is absent without leave for three consecutive ordinary meetings, is removed or dismissed from the office under the act, becomes a paid employee of the council, or becomes a member of state or federal parliament,” Mr Hawkey said.