霍巴特副市长Zelinda Sherlock因多年来从议会休息室带走小食和饮料一事遭到审查[1]。市议会投票以5票赞成、3票反对的结果，决定将此事转交塔斯马尼亚警察和地方政府总监处理[1]。Sherlock承认对相关政策存在误解，并已道歉[1]。
Sherlock辩称已获得多项独立调查的清除。她指出"2026年1月，独立法律意见已得出结论，未发生不当行为；3月，塔斯马尼亚警察也得出结论，证据不足以构成犯罪；6月，廉政委员会亦进行了调查并清除了我的任何不当行为指控"[1]。此外，Sherlock已向霍巴特慈善机构City Mission做出有意义的捐款作为赔偿[1]。
尽管Sherlock获得了多项调查清除，议会内部仍有不同声音。议员Louise Elliot要求进行适当调查，并形容议会决议"令人失望，但总比没有好"[1]。多名同事继续呼吁Sherlock辞职[1]。
Hobart's city council has voted to refer Deputy Mayor Zelinda Sherlock's removal of snacks and beverages from the council rest room to Tasmania Police and the local government inspector, with the motion passing 5-3.[1] Sherlock acknowledged taking food and drinks over a number of years, claiming she had misunderstood the applicable policy and subsequently apologized.[1]
Despite the referral, Sherlock stated that she had been cleared of misconduct allegations through multiple independent processes.[1] According to her statement, independent legal advice concluded in January 2026 that no misconduct had occurred, Tasmania Police determined in March 2026 that there was insufficient evidence for an offense, and the Integrity Commission investigated and cleared her of any misconduct in June 2026.[1] In response to the matter, Sherlock made a meaningful donation to Hobart charity City Mission as restitution.[1]
Council members remained divided on the outcome. Councillor Louise Elliot called for a proper investigation and characterized the council's resolution as "pathetic, but better than nothing," while several colleagues have called for Sherlock's resignation.[1]