Local Government Area Survey 2026
Ahead of the 2026 Tasmanian local government elections, Equality Tasmania invites candidates statewide to complete a short survey on LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion.
Candidates were asked whether they support practical inclusion measures such as flying the pride flag, advisory groups, inclusive services, staff training and public support for trans and gender diverse people, and to share their priority for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Responses are published below with each candidate’s permission and updated regularly. Use the search and council filter to find candidates in your area, then select a name to read their full response.
The survey remains open. Candidates can take part via the Candidate Survey.
Equality Tasmania is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates. This information is published to help voters make informed decisions. If anything on this page is inaccurate, or you’re a candidate wanting your response updated, please contact us.
Last updated 9:44 pm, 2 September 2026
Kristi Chapple Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Local government serves every resident. My focus will be on supporting policies that foster inclusion across our community facilities, events, and services. While any decision requires the support of the broader council, I will consistently vote for and champion initiatives that promote safety, respect, and equal access for LGBTIQA+ people in our municipality
Giovanna Simpson Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Earlier in the year, I put forward a motion to Council to adopt an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan to ensure those in our LGA are treated equally, included and are able to feel safe in Burnie. This action planned past on the 25th of August 2026, and we are the first NW Council to have an action plan. It could not have been possible without the support of our LGBTIQA+ Action Group committee, our Council staff that worked on our public survey and plan and Rodney Croome. His support and knowledge gave us the tools we needed to get this through.
Crystal Attrill
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
As a social worker of 15years, I am committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. To do this genuinely will require consultation with community stakeholders to understand the local issues. It will also require a collaborative approach with all of Council's employees and elected representatives.
Allison Ritchie Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
My priority will be to continue to ensure that LGBTIQA+ people are treated with dignity, respect and equality and are able to participate fully in community life in Clarence.
Clarence City Council already has existing policies, practices and initiatives that support inclusion, so my focus will be on building on that work to improve future outcomes.
I support ongoing engagement with LGBTIQA+ people and organisations to identify practical barriers to participation and ensure Council services, facilities, programs and community engagement are genuinely inclusive. I also believe Council has an important role in ensuring its workplaces and public facilities are safe and respectful and that discrimination, harassment and vilification are not tolerated.
Importantly, inclusion should be reflected in the everyday work of Council—how we design facilities, deliver services, communicate with residents, support community organisations and consult on decisions.
My approach is straightforward: everyone who lives, works or participates in community life in Clarence should feel welcome, respected and able to access Council services and opportunities equally.
Damien Viney Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsNot sure
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
For everyone to feel safe and included.
Steve Martin OAM Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsNot sure
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansNot sure
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Am already on Council's Access & Inclusion Committee and will continue to work with that Committee to identify needs and priorities as a community
Pam Sharpe
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Very high priority
Nathan Volf
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
My priority will be to ensure that, if community meeting spaces are not available yet, that they will be created promptly. Ensuring that these are places where everyone feels safe to be themselves – particularly those in the LGBTIQA+ community – will be of the utmost importance. I want to ensure that everyone in Glenorchy feels secure in our community and has the same access to all services/spaces without fear of bigotry or discrimination.
Suzie Schulz
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Protecting the dignity of all people regardless of how they identify, and ensuring adjustments are made to care for people's diverse needs. This includes the use of language, and giving deliberate consideration to including LGBTIQA+ people in council processes and programs.
Angus Templeton
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
In regards to not permitting council facilities to be used – there are restrictions on how far council can go in not allowing public facilities to be used for certain groups when they're publicly available. I would have to seek legal advice on that, and would only be able to oppose such groups using said facilities when the law allows. It's a pain in the proverbial, I know!
Hobart must be a welcoming and tolerant city. I commit wholeheartedly to being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community on council.
Bill Harvey Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsNot sure
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
I will prioritise an inclusive council, one that respects all and not tolerate prejudice, hate and discrimination.
Louise Bloomfield Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Reach out to LGBTIQA+ community and establish stronger channels of communication. Whilst I work with many in the community I don't feel issues are being communicated as much as they should be.
Ryan Posselt Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Ensuring that every Tasmanian feels welcome in the city of Hobart. Whether they identify as LGBTIQ+, are of a culturally diverse background or any other minority group, every Tasmanian should feel safe and free to live their best life and be true to themselves. Their sexuality, their gender and their culture are all incredibly important to sense of self, self esteem and connection with others. Those characteristics should be celebrated as they make us a stronger community.
Trenton Hoare (they/them)
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
As a member of the LGBTIQA+ Community, I’ll prioritise to listen, advocate, and collaborate with community. Practically, this looks like attending the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group meetings as an observer, and engage with folks through events, programs, and other initiatives that bring our wonderful community together.
Zelinda Sherlock Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
The City of Hobart successfully established an LGBTIQA+ Reference Group, as a result of a motion from a colleague and I. This group guides council inclusion policies, community programs, provides strategic input and feedback on council programs and services. I would aim to support the work from this Reference Group, as well as various ways to address discrimination, community resilience, and local pride.
Abby McKibben
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsNot published
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
I want the Huon Valley to be a place where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves and is treated with dignity and respect.
For me, equality isn’t complicated — LGBTIQA+ people should have the same opportunities to participate in community life, access Council services and have their voices heard as everyone else.
As Mayor, I would support an inclusive Council culture, listen to our LGBTIQA+ community about what matters to them, and make sure our policies, services and decisions reflect the simple principle that everyone deserves to feel welcome, safe and valued in the Huon.
Anthony Loberto
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
If elected to Council, my priority in this policy area would be to listen to any concerns from the LGBTIQA+ community and work with them and any relevant experts in law and social advocacy to address gaps in council policy to ensure LGBTIQA+ community members feel included, welcome and receive equal access to council services.
Stephanie Kirkman Meikle
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsNot sure
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Ross Marsden Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
My priority is simple: everyone in our community should feel safe, respected, included and valued.
As a Councillor, I will continue to listen to LGBTIQA+ people and ensure their voices are heard when Council makes decisions that affect our community. I believe Council services, facilities, events and public spaces should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, without discrimination.
Local government is at its best when it brings people together. I want Launceston to be a city where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to participate fully in community life.
Anne-Marie Loader Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Listening to members of the local LGBTQIA+ community to find out what their needs and priorities are. Then acting on them. Working towards more inclusion, partition and understanding.
Adam Barnett
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
My priority would be to ensure that LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, respected, valued and included in all aspects of community life. Local government should be a place where everyone is treated equally and has the same opportunity to participate.
I would support inclusive council policies, services and community events, while also listening directly to LGBTIQA+ residents and local organisations about the issues that matter to them. I would also work to ensure our public spaces, facilities and community activities are welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Most importantly, I believe inclusion should be practical and ongoing, not just something we talk about. Everyone in our community deserves to feel that they belong and that their voice is heard.
Paul Terrett Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsNot sure
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleNot sure
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Suppport the introduction of an equality and inclusion strategy
Michael Larkins Current councillor
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsNot sure
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesNot sure
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
My view is simple: consenting adults should be free to live and love as they choose. I have family members and employees from diverse backgrounds, and I've always believed that a person's sexuality or gender identity should not determine how they are treated.
As Deputy Mayor, my priority is ensuring every resident is treated fairly, respectfully and has the same opportunity to participate in community life. I want Sorell to be a welcoming and inclusive community where people are judged by their character and contribution, not by labels.
Charlene McLennan
Council initiatives they support
- Pride flagsYes
- Equality motionsYes
- Advisory groupsYes
- Action plansYes
- Inclusive servicesYes
- Staff trainingYes
- Rainbow Tick accreditationYes
- Gender neutral toilets and change roomsYes
- Diversity and inclusion guidelines for council facilitiesYes
- Public statements supporting trans and gender diverse peopleYes
Commitments
- Commits to not promoting prejudice, discrimination or hate against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians
- Commits to speaking out against such prejudice, discrimination or hate during the election
- Describes themselves as an ally to LGBTIQA+ communities
Their priority for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion
Making time to speak with the community and community representatives to ensure their voices can be shared in council decision making.
No candidates match — try clearing the search or choosing another council area.
* The wording of this question was refined during the survey period. Responses received before early September 2026 answered an earlier version asking about consulting on, and developing guidelines for, the use of council facilities, including by groups that may oppose LGBTIQA+ human rights.
