Anna Reynolds (Australian politician)

The Right Honourable
The Lord Mayor of Hobart
Anna Reynolds
Reynolds in 2013
Lord Mayor of Hobart
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 2018
DeputyHelen Burnet (2018−2024)
Zelinda Sherlock (2024−)
Preceded byRon Christie
Alderman of the City of Hobart
In office
2014–2018
Personal details
PartyYour Hobart Independents (2022−)
Other political
affiliations
Independent (2018−2022)
Greens (to 2018)
RelationsHenry Reynolds (father)
Margaret Reynolds (mother)
EducationAustralian National University
University of Technology Sydney

Anna Reynolds is an Australian politician who has served as the 56th Lord Mayor of Hobart in Tasmania since being elected in November 2018.[1] She was the third woman elected to the position and became the city’s fifth longest‑serving Lord Mayor.

Reynolds ran in the 2022 Hobart City Council election as the leader of the Your Hobart Independents ticket.[2]

Early life

Reynolds is the daughter of historian Henry Reynolds and former Queensland ALP senator Margaret Reynolds.[3]

Reynolds graduated from Australian National University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1987, majoring in Political Science, and completed a Master of Management from the University of Technology Sydney in 1996.[4]

Career

Reynolds began her career establishing a community legal centre in Northern Queensland,[5] before moving into a number of campaigning and advocacy roles.[6][7] She served as President of the Cairns and far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) during the 1990s.[8]

After four years with the Australian Conservation Foundation, in 1998 Reynolds founded the Climate Action Network Australia - the Australian environment movement's first collective campaign on climate change.[9][10]

In 2002, Reynolds moved on to her first of two roles with leading conservation organisation WWF. Between 2002 and 2005, Reynolds established and managed WWF Australia's first climate change program, then from 2005 to 2008, she held a role as Deputy Leader of WWF International's Global Climate Program.[11][12]

In 2009, Reynolds moved to Hobart to take up an advisory role in the office of Bob Brown, then leader of the Australian Greens.[9][13] She then became the CEO of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania in 2013.[14]

Politics

Early political involvement

Reynolds stood for the Greens in the seat of Denison at the 2013 federal election, losing to the incumbent independent MP Andrew Wilkie.[3]

From 2014 to 2018, Reynolds was a Hobart City Council Alderman,[15] with her candidacy backed by the Tasmanian Greens.[16] She was Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee during her term.

Lord Mayor of Hobart (2018-2026)

In November 2018, after standing as an Independent, Reynolds was elected Lord Mayor of Hobart, securing 63.35% of the vote and beating former Lord Mayor Damon Thomas into second place.[17] The turnout in the 2018 election was the highest since the 1990s, with 61.94% of eligible electors in the City of Hobart turning out to vote.[18] Reynolds' election to Lord Mayor was only the third time a woman had been voted into the position.[4]

During the 2018 campaign, Reynolds promoted a vision of providing "leadership for a more sustainable, caring and creative Hobart."[19]

In 2022, Reynolds was re-elected to the position of Lord Mayor of Hobart, securing 52.41% of the vote and beating first-time candidate John Kelly, former owner of Hobart's State Cinema, into second place.[20]

Mayoralty and key initiatives

City recognition and international positioning

During Reynolds' tenure, Hobart was recognised internationally as one of the world's most liveable and interesting small cities, including being listed among the Top 10 Small Cities in a global assessment of urban quality and place-making.[21]

Reynolds was a prominent advocate for increasing Hobart's international profile, supporting initiatives that positioned the city as:

Urban planning and climate strategy

Reynolds oversaw major strategic planning reforms, including the Central Hobart Plan, Tasmania's first precinct-scale structure plan. [26]

She also led the development of Hobart's Climate Change Strategy, which received national recognition for its approach to climate resilience and community engagement.[27][28]

Environmental management and sustainability

Under Reynolds' leadership, Hobart became the first Australian jurisdiction to ban single-use plastics, following extensive public consultation and national media attention.[29]

She supported environmental restoration projects including:

  • Installation of a major underground litter trap to protect the Hobart Rivulet and its platypus habitat[30]
  • A multi-year rewinding program for the New Town Rivulet, involving habitat restoration and community engagement[31]

Major city debates and advocacy

Reynolds publicly opposed several high-profile development proposals including:

  • The proposed Kunanyi/Mount Wellington cable car, citing environmental and cultural concerns[32]
  • The proposed Hobart AFL stadium, reflecting community concerns over cost, location and urban planning impacts[33][34]

Infrastructure and investment

During her term as Lord Mayor, Reynolds secured federal funding for upgrades to Hobart's ferry terminals[35][36] and for progressing a visitor centre for Kunanyi/Mount Welington.[37][38][39]

Council relations and controversies

A code of conduct panel cautioned Reynolds in late 2023 for making "intentional physical contact" with then-resident (now councillor) Louise Elliot during a 2022 public meeting. The panel found her behavior reflected adversely on the council.[40]

In 2025, Reynolds was found to have breached privacy laws by leaking confidential council information to activists.[41] Reynolds said she was unaware that Councillor Elliot's booking of Hobart Town Hall for an anti-LGBTQI+ event could be defined as "private information". She said she responded to concerns raised by former Tasmanian of the Year Rodney Croome that the event could include discrimination against his community taking place on Council property.[42]

Reynolds second term as Lord Mayor was marked by divisions with an oppositional group of councillors[43], including Councillor Louise Elliot, who lodged multiple code of conduct complaints against her. Many of these complaints were dismissed, as documented in official reports from the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet.[44][45]

In 2024, Councillor Elliot was suspended for two months for behaviour directed at Reynolds and her family, following findings by a separate conduct panel.[46]

Departure from Office

In June 2026, Reynolds announced she would step down as Lord Mayor to take up a role with the Global Solar Council as Director of the 300 Million Solar Homes initiative.[47] The role will see her working with the solar industry and city mayors to scale up deployment of household solar globally.

References

  1. ↑ "Lord Mayor Councillor Anna M. Reynolds". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. ↑ "Subscribe to The Mercury". www.themercury.com.au. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  3. 1 2 Abey, Duncan (1 September 2013). "Politics runs in the family for Greens candidate Anna Reynolds". The Mercury. Hobart. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Lord Mayor Councillor Anna M. Reynolds". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  5. ↑ "Regional Executive Committee". ICLEI Oceania. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  6. ↑ "Anna Reynolds puts hand up for Tasmanian Greens Senate spot". www.abc.net.au. 31 May 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  7. ↑ "Anna Reynolds confirmed as Greens Senate Candidate". Tasmanian Times. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  8. ↑ "CAFNEC". www.themercury.com.au. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  9. 1 2 "Greens: Anna Reynolds". The Examiner. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  10. ↑ "Greens slam US over greenhouse - ABC sc - Australian Broadcasting Corporation". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  11. ↑ "Penguins in Peril as Climate Warms, WWF | Press Releases | WWF". World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  12. ↑ "Greens reveal federal Denison candidate". www.abc.net.au. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  13. ↑ "Lord Mayor of Hobart Anna Reynolds faces climate change head on". Australia. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  14. ↑ admin (2 October 2017). "Moonah welcomes dedicated Multicultural Hub". Glenorchy Gazette. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  15. ↑ "Tasmanian Electoral Commission". tec.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  16. ↑ Bonham, Kevin (19 September 2014). "Dr Kevin Bonham: Hobart City Council Elections Candidate Guide and Preview 2014". Dr Kevin Bonham. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  17. ↑ "2018 Hobart City Council election results - Tasmanian Electoral Commission". tec.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  18. ↑ "Last-minute surge in Tasmanian council votes could delay early results". www.abc.net.au. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  19. ↑ "Something important I want to share with you". us6.campaign-archive.com. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  20. ↑ "Hobart City Council election results - 2022 local government elections Tasmania". www.tec.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  21. ↑ "Hobart Named One of the World's Top 10 Small Cities". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  22. ↑ National, Brought to you byABC Radio (11 June 2022). "Hobart - Australian city of science". ABC listen. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  23. ↑ Island of Ideas (26 October 2021). Exploring Hobart's Antarctic Future. Retrieved 6 July 2026 – via YouTube.
  24. ↑ "Hobart declared a world literature city". LG Focus. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  25. ↑ Nations, United. "Hobart: Young people are vital to putting in place climate solutions". United Nations. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  26. ↑ "Central Hobart Plan". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  27. ↑ "National recognition for Hobart's climate leadership". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  28. ↑ "Climate Ready Hobart". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  29. ↑ Hobart, Brought to you by936 ABC (11 March 2020). "City of Hobart first in Australia to ban single use plastics in all food outlets". ABC listen. Retrieved 6 July 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ↑ "Massive underground litter trap protects Hobart Rivulet". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  31. ↑ "Celebrate rewilding of the New Town Rivulet". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  32. ↑ "'Anger, sorrow, personal abuse': Cable car company flags fight not over". ABC News. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  33. ↑ "Hobart's AFL stadium set to become a reality with federal funding injection". ABC News. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  34. ↑ "Is the stadium at Macquarie Point a done deal?". ABC listen. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  35. ↑ "Calling for State Government investment in transport". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  36. ↑ "What to expect in Hobart City Council's 2025-26 budget". ABC listen. 30 June 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  37. ↑ "Halls Saddle Hub to revolutionise Kunanyi/Mount Wellington". www.hobartcity.com.au. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  38. ↑ "Transport options, visitor infrastructure 'not up to standard' on kunanyi/Mt Wellington as government announces review of park". ABC News. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  39. ↑ "Lord Mayor hails $3.2 million boost for Mt Wellington transport hub". Pulse Tasmania. 21 November 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  40. ↑ "Hobart lord mayor cautioned over code of conduct breach". ABC News. 7 December 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Hobart Lord Mayor broke privacy laws by leaking confidential details to activists". Pulse Tasmania. 12 February 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  42. ↑ Nealon, Kelly (14 February 2025). "Ombudsman rules Hobart Lord Mayor breached privacy laws". Inside Local Government. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  43. ↑ "Rifts in Hobart council widen after lord mayor slammed by ombudsman". ABC News. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  44. ↑ Times, Tasmanian (3 May 2022). "'Vexatious' Louise Elliott Complaint Against Mayor Fails Miserably - Tasmanian Times". Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  45. ↑ Cabinet, Department of Premier and (19 January 2026). "Councillor conduct and complaints". Department of Premier and Cabinet. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  46. ↑ "Hobart councillor Louise Elliot suspended for two months over social media posts". Pulse Tasmania. 22 April 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  47. ↑ "Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds to step down from top job". Pulse Tasmania. 31 May 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
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