Media release – Tasmanian Electoral Commission, 21 July 2021
Counting completed for the Glenorchy City, Kingborough and West Coast council by-elections
The counting of votes for these by-elections has been completed today.
The following candidates have been elected to serve until the 2022 ordinary elections:
Glenorchy City Council
Sue Hickey has been elected as councillor.
Bec Thomas has been elected as mayor.
Kingborough Council
Clare Glade-Wright has been elected as councillor.
Paula Wriedt has been elected as mayor.
West Coast Council
Philip Evans has been elected as councillor.
Shane Pitt has been elected as mayor.
The completed counts are published on our website.
Glenorchy Council
Kingborough Council
West Coast Council
Media release – Bec Thomas, 21 July 2021
Bec Thomas elected Mayor
Counting by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission clearly indicates that Bec Thomas, currently the Acting Mayor of Glenorchy, will become the new Mayor, an election made necessary by the previous incumbent, Kristie Johnston, taking a seat in Tasmanian Parliament.
Ms Thomas said that she was humbled and thrilled with the result, and grateful for the support of the Glenorchy community.
“For me, this is the best job I could wish for and I am delighted to be able to continue serving Glenorchy residents and businesses, now as mayor,” Ms Thomas said.
“It’s been a busy few months running my campaign, but it has been a great privilege to meet and talk to so many people in this great city of ours.
“I am proud that my core message of stable but purposeful leadership resonated with voters.
“I must acknowledge the other candidates for mayor, Sue Hickey and Kelly Sims, as well as the candidates for alderman, for putting their hands up too. It is no small commitment to run for public office and I appreciate the hard work they have put into their campaigns.
“I also acknowledge that Sue Hickey is likely to be elected as an alderman and I welcome her to the table.
“I do recognise that Sue’s reformist campaign was noticed by voters and I look forward to Sue making a constructive contribution to council, if she is elected.
“Diverse ideas, respectfully put, are always welcome.”
Ms Thomas said she will hit the ground running with a focus on community engagement, economic growth, public safety and transport solutions.
“There is nearly two billion dollars of development in the pipeline for Glenorchy and making that a reality will be a main focus of council.”
“I’m excited about the future of Glenorchy and I am determined to do my best to get it right, for the people of Glenorchy.”
Statement – Sue Hickey, 21 July 2021
Today the people of Glenorchy elected Alderman Thomas as their new mayor. I congratulate her whole heartedly and wish her the very best in what will be a very challenging role.
The Glenorchy City Council’s perilous financial position is a break on progress in our city and must be addressed with innovative solutions, however, the election result indicates the majority of those who voted are happy with the status quo.
I have always believed sensible amalgamations are inevitable, but it was an idea that never gained traction with those elected to councils.
I will, in my capacity as an elected alderman, continue to pursue opportunities for resource sharing with neighbouring councils and a focus on the cleanliness and safety of the city. I wish to thank everyone who supported me in this campaign.
