Alderman seeking re-election suspended for allegedly touching female staff

Glenorchy City Council alderman Peter Ridler suspended for alleged code of conduct breaches

The full report

A Glenorchy City Council alderman, Peter Ridler, has been found to have breached Tasmania's local government code of conduct. The disciplinary panel's determination report states that Alderman Ridler engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including touching female council employees on the shoulders and waist, and telling one to 'get back to the kitchen'.

The complaint against Alderman Ridler was made by the council's former chief executive, Tony McMullen, who stated that a number of female workers were distressed after interactions with Alderman Ridler. The panel, comprised of Lynn Mason, Philip Cocker, and David Palmer, investigated the complaint and found that Alderman Ridler breached the council code of conduct on several days in November and December 2024.

The panel determined that Alderman Ridler's use of phrases such as 'I'll get the whip out', 'get back to the kitchen', and 'n***** in a woodpile' were not 'expressions of personal views' but rather 'his patterns of speech'. However, some elements of the complaint, including allegations that Alderman Ridler bullied staff members, were dismissed.

The panel stated that Alderman Ridler's behaviour exhibited a 'lack of awareness of proper conduct in modern Australian society, particularly in the workplace' and that he had 'exhibited a wilful disregard for the advice given him' by the acting chief executive. Another alderman had spoken to Alderman Ridler about his behaviour with staff, and the behaviours had been raised in a phone call to the acting chief executive from the deputy mayor.

Alderman Ridler has been on the Glenorchy City Council for a total of 27 years since 1987 and is seeking re-election. The panel's determination report has been made public, and the outcome of the investigation has been reported by ABC News — Just In.

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