Mayoral candidate’s “frustration” slammed as “weak” justification for controversial sign off

Mayoral candidate Louise Elliot’s justification for a controversial email sign off has been slammed as “deplorable” by non-binary councillor Jax Fox. Read the exchange.

A prominent mayoral candidate has been criticised for citing “frustration” as the reason for a controversial email sign off from two years ago.

Hobart City Ms Zelinda Sherlock revealed comments made by Louise Elliot in an email chain directed at Cr Jax Fox, which other elected members were CC’d in.

At the end of one heated email about housing, the president of the Tasmanian Residential Rental Property Owners Association signed off with “Kermit (Louise Elliot) (Riddup – I identify as a frog)”.

Cr Fox, who is non-binary, said while they weren’t too fazed by the comment, they believed it reflected on Ms Elliot’s attitude toward gender diverse people.

“It does show the level of respect or lack thereof for trans or gender diverse people if she’s willing to make comments like that,” Cr Fox said.

“She wouldn’t have said it to anyone else.

“I just laughed, I just think it’s very petty and a very silly thing to do especially for someone considering a career in politics.”

Hobart City Council candidate Jax Fox. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Elliot said she’d made the comments out of frustration.

“My email to Cr Fox was in the context of Cr Fox’s frequent public disdain for the thousands of everyday Tasmanians who have invested in property,” she said.

Louise Elliot is running for mayor of Hobart City. Picture: Kenji Sato

“I don’t recall my thought process around my specific choice of words given it was over two years ago.

“I recall being very frustrated by the ongoing divisive and unfair labelling coming from Cr Jax which prompted me to email them after yet another of these offensive remarks.”

Ms Elliot said she believed in equality.

“I strongly believe that everyone is equal, regardless of their gender, sex, sexual orientation or any other attribute,” she said.

Cr Fox said Ms Elliot’s frustration didn’t justify her comment.

“She was feeling frustrated, that’s no reason to lash out at someone’s identity characteristic and mock it,” Cr Fox said.

“It’s weak really.”

Ms Sherlock slammed the reasoning as “downright deplorable”.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful that an individual can somehow excuse such discriminatory commentary on the basis of frustration,” Ms Sherlock said.

“You’re seeking to be in public office, I guarantee there is going to be more frustration.”

Zelinda Sherlock at Town Hall. Ms Sherlock is hoping to keep her seat. Photographs: Eddie Safarik.

Ms Sherlock, who initially questioned the comments, said she released the email because she didn’t realise Ms Elliot would run for council at the time it was said.

“When one seeks to represent the community you have to be inclusive,” Ms Sherlock said.

Equality Tasmania spokesperson Lucy Mercer-Mapstone reminded candidates to be respectful.

“Equality Tasmania calls on all candidates to be respectful of LGBTQIA+ people,” Dr Mercer-Mapstone said.

“Local government has a key role to play in fostering inclusive communities across Tasmania.”

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