Glenorchy City Council has today informed Ald. Kelly Sims that her seat has become vacant following her failure to attend three consecutive council meetings, as prescribed by the Local Government Act 1993.
Council General Manager Tony McMullen said he had also advised the Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner of the vacancy.
Mr McMullen said the council took its responsibilities under the law extremely seriously.
“The legislation stipulates that the office of a councillor becomes vacant if they are absent without leave from three consecutive ordinary meetings of council.
“Schedule 5 of the Act leaves council with no choice but to inform Ald. Sims that her office is now vacant and proceed as directed by the electoral commission to fill that vacancy.
Matters relating to this issue were appropriately discussed in closed council at last night’s meeting. It would not be lawful, fair, or appropriate to comment on those matters publicly.
“I would like to thank Ald. Sims for her contribution to the Glenorchy City Council, and wish her the best in her future endeavours,” Mr McMullen said.