In 2023–2024, Hobart City Councillor Louise Elliot brought a significant anti-discrimination complaint against the Hobart City Council. The case centred on allegations that council staff prevented her from booking a public venue for a women’s rights event because of her political views on sex and gender issues.
The matter ultimately led to multiple investigations, scrutiny of council processes, questions about privacy and right-to-information practices, and an eventual admission of discrimination by the council.
Background
Councillor Elliot is known for her public advocacy on women’s rights and her criticism of aspects of transgender activism, particularly in relation to women’s spaces, sport and sex-based services.
In September 2023, acting in her private capacity, she sought to hire the Hobart Town Hall ballroom to host a “Women’s Rights and Free Speech” forum featuring Victorian MP Moira Deeming and former parliamentary candidate Katherine Deves.
The Booking and Alleged Blocking (September–October 2023)
Council staff advised Elliot that no suitable dates were available for the booking. However, she later became aware that other events had been scheduled during the periods she had requested.
Through Right to Information (RTI) processes, Elliot obtained internal council correspondence. Among the documents were emails dated 5 October 2023 discussing her proposed booking.
One staff member wrote:
“This was an uncomfortable request for me to block Louise Elliot from booking the Town Hall.”
A reply from another staff member stated:
“You have nothing to worry about. Jacqui will absolutely deal with Cr Elliot and any fallout.”
The emails became central to allegations that the booking had been deliberately prevented.
Investigations Begin (Late 2023–Early 2024)
In December 2023, the Hobart City Council confirmed it was the subject of an investigation relating to possible discrimination.
At the time, the council was also experiencing significant leadership instability, with several acting chief executives serving in succession.
On 1 February 2024, Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, accepted Elliot’s complaint alleging discrimination on the grounds of political belief and political association.
The Commissioner determined that there was a basis for the complaint to proceed under Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act, and the matter moved into the conciliation process.
Further Allegations: RTI Withholding and Privacy Concerns (May 2024)
In May 2024, further controversy emerged when a whistleblower provided emails that had reportedly not been included in earlier RTI disclosures to Elliot.
The emails related directly to discussions surrounding the venue booking request. Questions were subsequently raised about whether all relevant documents had been provided in response to the RTI application.
At the same time, the Tasmania Ombudsman commenced an investigation into alleged privacy breaches involving information connected to Elliot’s booking enquiry.
The investigation followed claims that then Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds had shared details of Elliot’s private booking request with Rodney Croome and encouraged contact with council management regarding the proposed event.
Elliot argued that information relating to her private booking request had been used to mobilise opposition to the event.
During this period, several senior council staff either resigned or took extended leave, including Acting CEO Jacqui Allen and Creative City Manager Jamie Smith.
An external investigation led by lawyer David Dilger was completed, although the full report was not publicly released.
Resolution Through Conciliation (June–July 2024)
On 16 June 2024, reports emerged that the matter had been resolved through conciliation.
As part of the resolution, Hobart City Council admitted that it had discriminated against Councillor Elliot by blocking her venue booking on the basis of her political belief or political association.
The council issued a formal apology and it was widely reported that compensation formed part of the settlement.
Council CEO Michael Stretton confirmed that the matter had been resolved and advised that the outcome would be publicly acknowledged at the July council meeting.
Speaking to The Australian, Elliot stated:
“I’m pleased that the extent of the discrimination has finally been admitted and owned by the council.”
She added:
“What happened to me proves that the HCC’s talk of being inclusive and welcoming is selective.”
A special council meeting held on 3 July 2024 formally addressed the apology and resolution.
Why the Case Matters
The Louise Elliot case is significant because it tested whether a public authority could deny access to a publicly funded venue on the basis of an individual’s political beliefs or political association.
The eventual admission of discrimination by Hobart City Council affirmed an important principle: Tasmania’s anti-discrimination laws protect political belief and political association, even where those beliefs are controversial or unpopular.
The case also highlighted the importance of transparency in public administration. Questions were raised about decision-making processes, the handling of RTI requests, privacy protections and the obligations of public institutions to act impartially.
For community groups and citizens seeking access to publicly funded facilities, the case serves as a reminder that public bodies must apply their policies fairly and consistently. Access to public venues should not depend on whether decision-makers agree with the views being expressed.
More broadly, the case demonstrates that anti-discrimination protections apply across the political spectrum. They exist not only to protect popular opinions, but also to ensure that individuals are treated equally when exercising their lawful rights to participate in public debate.
The Louise Elliot complaint remains one of the most significant political belief discrimination cases in Tasmania in recent years and continues to be relevant to ongoing discussions about free expression, viewpoint diversity and equal access to public services.