Hobart City Council under investigation for possible discrimination against Cr Louise Elliot

The Hobart City Council is being investigated for possible discrimination, after staff allegedly blocked a polarising councillor from holding an event at Hobart’s Town Hall.

Hobart City Councillor Louise Elliot. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Hobart City Council is being investigated for possible discrimination, after staff allegedly blocked a councillor from holding an event.

It comes as the council goes through its third acting chief executive in six months.

Councillor Louise Elliot recently posted emails on social media, which showed a discussion between two City of Hobart staffers about a booking, which they understood to be for an anti-transgender event.

Ms Elliot, who is known for campaigning against transgender women using women’s spaces and who has been referred to the tribunal over allegations she incited hate speech on the basis of gender identity, says the event was not anti-trans, but was a “women’s rights event.”

She told the Mercury staff had made a “false assumption” about the nature of the event.

In the exchange, dated October 5, one staffer expressed concern about a directive they were given.

“This was an uncomfortable request for me to block Louise Elliot from booking the Town Hall,” the staffer said.

“I am [now] concerned that she might personally go after me given I have been contact person if the event does not go ahead.

“Should I be concerned do you think, or will [redacted] deal with the outcome given it was her direction?”

The staffer was assured the situation would be taken care of.

“You have nothing to worry about. [redacted] will absolutely deal with Cr Elliot and any fallout,” they said.

A City of Hobart spokesperson confirmed the council was being investigated.

“As for the matter of alleged discrimination, an investigation is currently underway,” they said.

“It would therefore be inappropriate to provide any comment whilst this investigation takes place. No staff have been stood down.”

The saga coincides with the departure of the council’s former acting CEO, who has resigned. The council says the acting CEO who replaced her is currently on leave.

“Acting CEO Jacqui Allen is currently on Christmas leave,” the most recent acting CEO Neil Noye said.

Hobart City Council’s Neil Noye during the opening of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

“Kat Panjari has resigned to return to Melbourne for family reasons.

“None of these staffing changes will impact on our commitment to deliver on our community mission which is working together to make Hobart a better place.

The Mercury submitted questions to the director of local government about the council’s current staffing arrangements, but instead received a response from a department of premier and cabinet spokesman.

“The acting director of local government is engaging with the council and providing support where appropriate in relation to improving relationships and clarifying roles and functions of councillors and the operations of the organisation,” they said.

“Hobart City Council continues to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and functions with a new CEO commencing in early February.”