Tasmania's top prosecutor rules out 'further action' on town hall snack saga

Hobart's deputy lord mayor has been under fire for taking snacks and drinks from the city's town hall. Tasmania Police has advised it will not investigate the matter, following a referral from the council. What's next? The letter potentially brings the saga to a close, ahead of local government elections this month. Tasmania's top prosecutor has ruled out any "further action" on the taking of snacks from Hobart Town Hall by the city's deputy lord mayor, potentially bringing the contentious saga to a close. Deputy lord mayor Zelinda Sherlock came under fire from some of her fellow elected members this year, after it was revealed she had removed snacks and drinks from an elected member's lounge. Cr Sherlock apologised and said she had misunderstood the policy surrounding the snacks, but Hobart City Council (HCC) voted to refer the matter to Tasmania Police and the Office of Local Government in late July. Acting Commander Vanessa Castle has responded to this referral in a letter to the council's chief executive, in which she ruled out any further involvement by police. "Police conducted a review of the extensive material provided by the (HCC), including correspondence, file notes, CCTV footage, legal advice, and other relevant supporting documentation," she wrote. "Following an assessment of the available evidence, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. "The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has since reviewed the referral and advised that no further action be taken in relation to this matter." Cr Sherlock shared the letter on social media and said police would not be "investigating a 'wanna-be' snack scandal", finishing her post with "#dirtypolitics". The police response comes after the Office of Local Government also declined to take action, with Acting Director of Local Government, Luke Gregory, advising the matter did not fall within his jurisdiction. Mr Gregory made that position clear in a letter to elected members in early September, in which he reminded them they were expected to uphold the "highest standards of personal conduct and integrity". He also described the snack saga as an "unfortunate and unhelpful distraction" for both HCC and the community. Tasmania's local government elections are set to get under way when ballot packs arrive by post on October 5, before the polls then close on October 27.