Case cleared, Hickey calls for review

HOBART Lord Mayor Sue Hickey says the code of conduct process needs major changes after a complaint made against her by a member of the public was dismissed.

The independent code of conduct panel has dismissed a complaint made against Alderman Hickey by Tony Hope in June.

The complaint by Mr Hope was made following an email exchange the two had regarding the council’s support for changing the date of Australia Day.

Mr Hope accused Ald Hickey of exhibiting bias and bullying in her strongly worded response to his letter — and subsequently withdrawing from providing a foreword for a book he was preparing for publication about the relationship between Tasmania and Fujian in China.

But the panel said while “immoderate”, the conduct of Ald Hickey in her email could not be construed as bullying or harassing.

Ald Hickey said she was pleased the charges were dismissed but said it showed the code of conduct legislation needed altering.

“I think this case shows that the code of conduct legislation needs reviewing because if I had been found guilty, I would face having to apologise, be reprimanded, be sent for training or facing possible other sanctions,” she said.

“Perhaps, when the complaint is dismissed by the panel, the complainant ought to be required to apologise to the alderman or councillor involved.

“It is only fair and reasonable that I should receive an apology for that inconvenience and unproven allegation, after all I was only doing my job.

“There is also a cost to the ratepayers for the hearing.”

The State Government is reviewing the code of conduct process, even though last year a new model for complaints was introduced in Tasmania.

Ald Hickey will tonight hope to get a formal endorsement for the Liberal Party for the upcoming State Election when the Liberal Denison preselection is held.

Sitting MP and new minister Elise Archer heads the list which includes Simon Behrakis — a staffer for senator Eric Abetz — and gym owner Kristy Johnson.