A women’s rights group is continuing to put political pressure on a Hobart City councillor, questioning the sincerity of a recent apology to other elected members.
At a council meeting on February 11, Councillor Holly Ewin gave a public apology after being directed to do so by a code of conduct panel.
The apology to Alderman Jeff Briscoe and recently re-signed alderman Tanya Denison followed their complaint that Cr Ewin had breached the council’s code of conduct during a radio interview in July by saying some elected representatives were voting “along ideological lines.”
The two aldermen also complained about comments on social media by Cr Ewin that suggested some aldermen may receive gifts from organisations in exchange for voting a certain way and described them as “bastards.”
At last night’s meeting, Isla MacGregor of Women Speak Tasmania asked Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds if she thought Cr Ewin’s apology to the aldermen was sincere given it was preceded by the words, “Oh, and so I don’t get a fine that I can’t afford, for not saying the most exact, prescribed, most heartfelt words.”
“Do you consider there was any honesty, integrity or sincerity underpinning Cr Ewin’s reserved apology?” Ms MacGregor said.
Cr Reynolds said that would be a matter for the Director of Local Government.
In October, Women Speak Tasmania filed a complaint against Cr Ewin over comments at a council meeting and posts on social media, including likening the group to “Nazis.”
Cr Ewin, who is non-binary, has raised concerns about Women Speak Tasmania’s attitude towards trans and non-binary people.
Source: The Mercury (printed edition)