Fears local council turmoil, toxic culture deterring potential candidates in Tasmania

A spate of resignations and allegations of toxic work cultures has Tasmania's local government sector grappling with more than just an image problem. Last week, a review of the Clarence City Council found interpersonal conflict between elected members was creating a toxic culture within the council and could lead to a "health risk" due to workplace bullying. Christina Holmdahl, president of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, said the review would identify standards for councillors to abide by, but would also look at protections for elected members against bullying and harassment. "What is really unfortunate is that in the last few months we have seen a number of high-profile women both at local and state government level who have stepped down for various reasons," she said. "They've watched what's happened in the last couple of years at a local government level and said: 'Why on Earth would I put my hand up to run and subject myself to that?'