Tasmania’s Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has ruled out any further action concerning allegations that Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock removed snacks and drinks from the Hobart Town Hall’s elected members’ lounge. The decision, reported by ABC News, follows a referral from Tasmania Police, which had reviewed extensive material related to the matter.
The “snack saga” has been a subject of public discussion and council debate for several months. It centres on allegations that Cr Sherlock, on two separate occasions in January 2024, was seen in CCTV footage leaving the council chambers after hours with another person, carrying bags purportedly filled with refreshments. Internal council emails reportedly indicated staff had noticed refreshments disappearing over an extended period.
Cr Sherlock has admitted to taking items and subsequently apologised, explaining that she had misunderstood the policy governing the availability of refreshments for elected members, including for work-from-home arrangements. She stated she accepted staff advice once the policy was clarified.
Prior to the police referral, Cr Sherlock had referred herself to Tasmania’s Integrity Commission. The Commission dismissed the complaint, concluding that the matter did not amount to misconduct. Additionally, the Office of Local Government had also declined to take action, with Acting Director Luke Gregory stating in September 2026 that the issue did not fall within his formal jurisdiction under the Local Government Act 1993. Mr Gregory described the episode as an “unfortunate and unhelpful distraction” for the council and community.
Tasmania Police had reviewed various materials supplied by the Hobart City Council, including correspondence, file notes, CCTV footage, and legal advice, before referring the evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently advised that no further action should be taken. Cr Sherlock shared the police letter confirming this decision on social media, according to Oz Arab Media.
Despite these official rulings, some Hobart councillors have publicly called for Cr Sherlock’s resignation, arguing that the issue extends beyond a simple policy misunderstanding. Cr Sherlock has rejected this criticism, maintaining that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and resolved. She has also suggested that renewed attacks are politically motivated and has affirmed her commitment to continue serving the community.
It is important to note that any person accused of an offence is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court of law.
For more details on this development, readers are encouraged to refer to the original reporting by ABC News Tasmania.