City of Hobart has flagged its intention to apologise to councillor Louise Elliot after finding council staff had breached anti-discrimination laws by lying to her about the availability of a venue.
In September last year, Cr Elliot attempted to book the Town Hall Ballroom for an event in November which she described as a "Women's Rights and Free Speech" forum. "Staff acted to block the booking of the Ballroom due to assumptions being made that political views about transgender people and their participation in sport and access to facilities would be discussed at the event," Mr Stretton said.
"Staff endeavoured to influence Louise Elliot to book an alternative venue including Mawson’s Waterside Pavilion or City Hall." "On behalf of the Council, I apologise for any stress, anxiety, frustration, embarrassment, and inconvenience caused by the conduct that has been outlined in this report. In the report, Mr Stretton said when he entered the organisation, it was "quickly apparent the organisation had been through a difficult period".
Cr Elliot said she has "incurred significant financial legal costs" but could not confirm if she was provided any compensation due to a confidentiality agreement.A landlord body was given a $100,000 government grant.