Former Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Debbie Wisby pleads not guilty to misuse of office charges

A former mayor will fight allegations of improperly misusing information to obtain council funds in exchange for putting up two acting general managers at her BnB.

A former mayor will fight allegations of improperly misusing information to obtain council funds in exchange for putting up two acting general managers at her bed and breakfast.

Debbie Lee Wisby appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday for two counts of improper use of information and two counts of misuse of office.

The 51-year-old was Mayor for Glamorgan Spring Bay Council until she resigned in July last year citing health and wellbeing reasons.

The Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam Rosewarne.

Ms Wisby’s defence counsel Jessie Sawyer entered pleas of not guilty to all four charges, which related to a period of alleged offending between May 6 and August 8 2019.

Court documents alleged Ms Wisby had acquired information that acting general managers Ian Pearce and Harry Galea needed accommodation.

The documents alleged Ms Wisby used the information to gain an advantage and had both men stay at her Triabunna B&B.

It was further alleged in court documents that Ms Wisby received $1800 in council funds for Mr Pearce’s stay, and $1500 for Mr Galea’s stay.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Daly adjourned the matter to reappear on February 22.

The parties are expected to set the matter down for hearing.