’More serious matters to be dealt with’: Hobart lawyer questions Lord Mayor’s charge

As Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds prepares to face court in May, a well known lawyer has labelled the case “unusual”. WHAT HE SAID >>

Anna Reynolds Lord Mayor of Hobart in relation to population statistics and the impact on Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds’ upcoming day in court has been labelled ‘unusual’ by a well known Tasmanian lawyer, who says courts would be overwhelmed if every case of its nature were prosecuted.

Ms Reynolds is due to appear in court in May, charged with the summary offence of common assault, which she says she will vigorously defend.

The allegation stems from a public meeting last May, where now councillor Louise Elliot claims she was grabbed on the arm by the mayor.

It’s a claim Ms Reynolds has continuously denied.

In a public apology to Ms Elliot, posted to social media last year, Ms Reynolds said she touched Ms Elliot’s arm to get her attention when she walked past.

On Thursday, former Tasmanian president of the Australian Lawyers Association, Fabiano Cangelosi said the case was unusual.

“It is unusual to see such low level [allegations] the subject of a charge, when police discretion would usually result in no charge being laid,” Mr Cangelosi said.

Fabiano Cangelosi.

“It would result in courts being overwhelmed with cases if every such instance were prosecuted.

“Even on the account given by the complainant, [which hasn’t been proven] it sounds as though a degree of common sense being brought would not have resulted in Reynolds coming before the courts.”

Mr Cangelosi said there was significant pressure on the courts.

“I would say the court has far more serious matters to be dealt with, involving people in custody, the ballooning remand population,” he said.

“Almost everybody has touched another person on the arm at some point and it raises the question of why we categorise certain behaviour as criminal conduct if ordinary trivial conduct is going to be captured by prosecution.

“It raises the question of what on earth would happen if the police did prosecute every low level of physical contact.”

Lord Mayor to vigorously defend common assault allegations

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is set to appear at the Hobart Magistrates Court in May, charged with the summary offence of common assault, after an alleged incident between her and now councillor Louise Elliot, during a public meeting last year.

The allegation in question dates back to a meeting in May (2022) about the University of Tasmania’s move into the Hobart CBD.

Ms Elliot has previously alleged Ms Reynolds grabbed her on the arm after her speech, which the mayor has continuously denied.

In a public apology to Ms Elliot, posted to social media last year, Ms Reynolds said she touched Ms Elliot’s arm to get her attention when she walked past.

City of Hobart Councillor Louise Elliot. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Reynolds' name is listed on the Hobart Magistrates Court list, dated for the 29th of March, but it’s understood this is in error.

She’s confirmed she is instead due to appear in May.

Ms Reynolds said there was no substance to the charge of common assault, denying unlawful conduct took place.

She said she would vigorously defend the allegation.

“The complaint relates to an incident that occurred before councillor Elliot was elected to Council,” Ms Reynolds said.

“As the matter is now before the court, I have been advised against making any further comment and place my trust in the judicial system.”

The court date does not affect Ms Reynolds' eligibility to continue on as mayor.

“I remain committed to working with Councillor Elliot respectfully and productively in the best interests of the community,” she said.

“I’m committed to working on our ambitious council agenda and will continue to be a proactive and vocal advocate for the interests of the Hobart community.”

Ms Elliot lodged a code of conduct complaint against Ms Reynolds over the alleged incident in May, but the outcome is yet to finalised.