Hobart's new lord mayor vows to heal fractured council

New Hobart council sworn in

Hobart City Council's nine newly elected representatives were sworn into their roles on Monday evening. Seven served on the previous council, with two new faces including Lord Mayor Charles Wooley.

Years of discord and conflict

The council has attracted headlines for in-fighting, code-of-conduct complaints and social media conflicts. The recent election campaign included accusations of ageism, debate over snack-gate, and a confrontation at a forum.

Director warned councillors earlier

Acting Director of Local Government Luke Gregory warned all councillors to stop disrespectful and demeaning conduct at meetings or risk formal action.

Wooley's background and vision

Charles Wooley is a veteran sixty minutes reporter born on the Isle of Arran. He said he was not interested in political power or social engineering, instead focusing on being a people's mayor.

Turn the ship around

Wooley urged fellow councillors to leave political allegiances at the door. He said the council cannot endure another eight years of discord and asked for patience and mutual cooperation from his colleagues.

“I ask for only two things. I ask for patience of you, my fellow councillors. I ask for your mutual co-operation.”

Fewer councillors across Tasmania

This year's elections included a statewide reduction in councillors from two hundred sixty-three to two hundred thirteen. In Hobart, councillor seats fell from twelve to nine.

Deputy mayor to be elected

The newly sworn-in councillors will elect a deputy lord mayor at their first meeting on November sixteen. Incumbent Ben Lohberger won the position but failed to secure a council seat.