Former Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Debbie Wisby’s legal bill to be reimbursed

A Tasmanian mayor who recently resigned due to “constant, unfair criticism” will be reimbursed almost $1400 at ratepayers expense for a legal bill.

• Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Debbie Wisby announces resignation
• Mayoral nominations: top job at Glamorgan Spring Bay up for grabs

A TASMANIAN mayor who recently resigned due to “constant, unfair criticism” will be reimbursed almost $1400 at ratepayers expense for a legal bill.

In September 2019, the Australian Services Union wrote to the then Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Debbie Wisby with various allegations and demands.

The letter was circulated by the ASU to all councillors, the general manager and the Director for Local Government.

Ms Wisby personally sought her own legal advice through Abetz Curtis in relation to the letter and was charged $1,391.50.

At the Tuesday afternoon council meeting, elected members voted to reimburse Ms Wisby after Council officers recommended the council compensate the recently resigned mayor.

The recommendation was carried four votes to three.

Under the Local Government Act, councillors are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable expenses if determined appropriate by the council.

A report by GSB council officers warned elected members this case may “create a precedence on how the current council deals with similar situations where an elected member incurs legal costs in relation to allegations that are made against them whilst carrying out their role.”

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission is expected to announce the nominees for Ms Wisby’s replacement on Friday.

When announcing her resignation earlier this month, Ms Wisby said she been “worn down by constant criticism and lack of support from the Local Government Division and the unfair criticism of an orchestrated few, both inside and outside the council office.”

The resignation followed a string of incidents in recent months, including alleged bullying and harassment claims among councillors as well as soaring debt.

Acting Mayor Jenny Woods said the council had officially received confirmation of the Performance Improvement Direction issued by the Local Government Minister last week.

It directs council to prepare and maintain a number of financial and asset management plans, with the work to be complete by March 31, 2021.