Six Glenorchy aldermen in mass ‘resignation’ following Minister’s move to sack them

SIX Glenorchy aldermen have handed in their resignations from the council — but the Director of Local Government says they have no position from which to step down.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein will introduce legislation to sack the Glenorchy council and hold new elections. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

SIX Glenorchy aldermen have handed in their resignations from the council — but the Director of Local Government Alex Tay says they have no positions from which to step down.

Suspended deputy mayor Harry Quick, former mayor Stuart Slade and suspended aldermen Jenny Branch-Allen, Haydyn Nielsen, Steve King and David Pearce have all attempted to resign from the embattled council following Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein’s unprecedented move to introduce legislation to sack them and hold fresh elections on January 16.

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But in a move that threatens to spark yet more legal action in the long-running Board of Inquiry saga, Mr Tay has informed the aldermen that while they are suspended, under the Local Government Act they do not hold a relevant office from which to resign.

“Hence any submission of a resignation cannot take effect,” he told the Mercury.

“It could only do so from the time the suspension is lifted.

“If the councillor is dismissed before a suspension is lifted, then of course the dismissal takes effect and there is no office to resign from.”

Suspended deputy mayor Harry Quick.

Suspended alderman Jenny Branch-Allen.

The 10 Glenorchy aldermen were resuspended for another six months by Mr Gutwein in August, when the Board of Inquiry investigation into the council was yet again delayed.

The Mercury has been told that multiple suspended aldermen have already gathered legal advice regarding Mr Tay’s claim.

Ms Branch-Allen — who said she was still undecided as to whether she would run in the election should the legislation get through State Parliament — said she was sure of her ability to resign.

“If I want to resign I will,” she told the Mercury.

Mr Quick said he went to tender his resignation to council acting general manager Tony McMullen but was quickly informed that he was unable to.

“It’s laughable, I’ve had a gutful,” he said.

Mr Pearce, a veteran aldermen on the council, went to resign before the mass resignation.

Suspended mayor Kristie Johnston, Matt Stevenson and Jan Dunsby have already said they would stand in the election.

Christine Lucas has declined to comment and it is not known whether she will join the six other aldermen in resigning.

Mr Slade, Mr Nielsen and Mr Kind did not return calls.