Paula Wriedt today announced that she would resign from her position as Mayor of Kingborough Council as of Wednesday 27 May 2026.
“It has been an absolute honour to serve as the Mayor of Kingborough, especially as the municipality’s first female Mayor in 114 years and this decision to step away, has been an incredibly difficult one for me,” Cr Wriedt said.
“I have always loved Kingborough and have lived and raised my children here and represented the region for 28 years; first as a Member of Parliament and, more recently, as a Councillor and Mayor.
“I have spent half my life in very public roles and during that time I have run nine election campaigns.
“With Local Government elections due in October this year, I realised I didn’t want to take on a tenth campaign.
“When I was elected as Mayor, I said I wanted to lead a kind and inclusive community and have tried to lead by example at all times with kindness towards others.
“Campaigning has changed a great deal from 1996 when I first started in politics.
“Over many years in public life, I have consistently supported respectful discussion and was fortunate to lead the Local Government Association Tasmania (LGAT) Lift the Tone campaign, which encourages people to be respectful even when disagreeing on issues.
“Toxic behaviour hurts individuals, families and our democracy and unfortunately it has become a hallmark of the way many people interact with their elected representatives, but also how elected representatives behave towards one another which should at all times be respectful.
“Over the last six to eight months I’ve increasingly seen nasty comments on social media directed at Councillors from some in the community, as well as some people with their own political aspirations.
“I don’t want to be part of that anymore, and the timing feels right to leave and pursue a new career.
“This approach also means there will be no extra cost to Council or ratepayers through a by election. (*see explanation below)
“This resignation will also see me leave the roles of Vice President of the LGAT and as a board member of the Australian Local Government Association.
“While my political chapter is ending, I am pleased to say that I will be continuing my service to the community in a new role as CEO of the Tasmanian Council of Social Service.
“My entire career has been about advocating for others and this new position will continue this work representing the many community organisations, their staff and volunteers who contribute so much to our State.
“I have loved my role as Mayor, and I am very proud of all we have achieved and the significant community and infrastructure we have delivered across the municipality.
“Some of these have included upgrades to Kingston’s main street, Tasmania’s first floating wetlands, securing two High Performance Centres, connecting the Whitewater Creek Track to more than 600 homes, revitalising many playgrounds and many other projects across the municipality.
“While there have been significant infrastructure upgrades during my time, I am equally proud of the work that has focused on inclusion and belonging.
“I am very proud of being part of Council’s first Multicultural Strategy, LGBTIQA+ Strategy, and the leadership shown by the Disability Inclusion Access Advisory Committee in delivering wheelchair accessible beach matting at Kingston Beach.
“I am deeply grateful to the Kingborough community, Council staff and my fellow Councillors for the opportunity to serve as Mayor.
“It has been a privilege, and while there is still important work ahead for Kingborough, I leave with strong confidence in our CEO and the leadership team who have been working together to continue improving the organisation.
* PROCESS:
- Under the Local Government Act 1993, a resignation occurring less than six months before the issue of writs for the next election does not trigger a by‑election. As a result, no by‑election will be held.
- The Deputy Mayor, Cr Clare Glade‑Wright, will become Acting Mayor.
- If Cr Glade‑Wright is elected to the Upper House seat of Huon, a new Deputy Mayor will be appointed.
- The Deputy Mayor is elected by a vote of Councillors.
- This vote would take place at the Council meeting on Monday 18 May, if required.