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Hobart lord mayor Anna Reynolds to 'vigorously defend' charge of assault against councillor Louise Elliot

The lord mayor says she is "disappointed" she has been charged. (ABC News: Peter Curtis)

Hobart's lord mayor says she will vigorously defend an allegation of assault brought against her by another councillor after an incident at a public meeting last year.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has been charged with common assault after an alleged incident between herself and now-councillor Louise Elliot at a meeting about the University of Tasmania's move into the Hobart CBD in May 2022. 

Cr Elliot was not a councillor at the time.

She has previously alleged Cr Reynolds grabbed her on the arm at the event, which the lord mayor has denied.

On her public social media, Cr Reynolds said she was disappointed that police had charged her with the summary offence. 

"I continue to deny any unlawful conduct and will vigorously defend the allegation," she said.  

"I have not been charged with a crime but with a summary offence, which means I remain eligible under the Local Government Act 1993 to remain on the council and as Lord Mayor.

"While the complaint relates to an alleged incident before Councillor Elliot was elected to council, I am committed to working with Councillor Elliot respectfully and productively in the best interests of the community."

Cr Reynolds is listed for appearance in the Hobart Magistrate's Court today on a charge of common assault, but it is understood that is an error and she is actually scheduled to appear in May. 

Louise Elliot speaks at a meeting about the University of Tasmania's proposed move to Hobart's CBD. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
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