Q&A: How Louise Bloomfield became an alderman

At age 26 and just 10 days after giving birth to her first child, Bloomfield was homeless.

“I lost everything that I owned, bar what could fit into my parents’ two cars the night they rescued my daughter and myself,” Bloomfield says.

She had an accounting degree and several years of experience. But, with the fresh challenge of childcare, it was tough to find a suitable role.

Bloomfield started working for herself in 1998, finding and winning over new clients one at a time.

"I was one of the first 20 BAS agents in Australia – and then in 2010 I became a registered tax agent," she says. 

Now, Bloomfield is a Fellow of the IPA. 

Standing for election – and losing

Bloomfield is also an Alderman with Hobart City Council and Chair of the City Economy Portfolio Committee.

“The more I worked with small businesses, the better understanding I had for their needs. I saw a significant gap in local council when it came to providing the environment that would allow them to thrive,” she says of her decision to throw her hat in the ring in Hobart’s 2018 election.

“I saw being elected to council as another way I could benefit small businesses. I wanted to ensure that Hobart literally shines with opportunities.”

Despite that focus, Bloomfield was unsuccessful in the 2018 election.

“Hobart, being a capital city and one of the larger councils in the area, was [always] going to be a tough gig,” she says.

Building community support – and winning

Bloomfield persevered, just as she had done in building her business, and built community support before the 2022 election.

“It took two elections to finally get voted into office. And, in the middle of all of that, COVID-19 happened,” she says.

Bloomfield describes a difficult period for small business owners. Many had already been relatively isolated and had become deeply so, and had no way to pay their bills.

“Many of them fell through the cracks and I remember dealing with more than a few difficult suicidal phone calls,” Bloomfield says.

She recognised the absence of an active local Chamber of Commerce in Hobart, and invested some of her savings to establish the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business Ltd in 2021.

She organised weekly networking meetups across four council areas, gradually cultivating a community and a following among local business owners. At the same time, she worked on building a social media, newspaper and radio presence to advocate for small businesses' needs.

“During COVID, I even spoke with the Deputy Treasurer to explain how the directors’ fees didn’t gel properly with the boost payments, and tried to establish some protocols so business owners could rightfully obtain government support,” Bloomfield says.

A dovetailing of roles

“I was surprised to find financial reports and budgeting to be concepts that are just not well-understood by elected members. Knowing this area well gives one an edge – and, with that, the ability to lead the room,” Bloomfield says.

She also cites an ability to understand the intent and implications of complex regulations and government acts, honed in her accounting career. Bloomfield believes this contributed to her internal election as the Chair of the City Economy Portfolio, a role that allows her to engage with small businesses and further benefit her community.

“I am currently working with midtown small businesses who are finding it hard with some of the traffic changes,” Bloomfield says, explaining her plans to speak with a minister about this issue.

“You really have opportunities to gather and lead change around you.”

Bloomfield's negotiation skills played a pivotal role in redrawing the Salamanca Market Licence Agreement. This benefited both the council and stallholders. A correction of stamp duty payments also resulted in refunds to stallholders and a revitalised market.

Civic leadership has also broadened Bloomfield’s professional horizons, allowing her to apply a holistic and informed approach to her practice.

“You find yourself learning [things] about the world you could not fathom would be available,” she says, recounting times she has hosted international ambassadors and the lessons she has learnt about First Nations cultures.

“I’ve also learned about place making, traffic flow and building design. And then, you bring all your new education back into the office to mentor your clients. It's enriching,” Bloomfield says.

Accounting for change

Bloomfield sees her dual roles as equally critical to her mission to build and advocate for local businesses.

“Local government in Tasmania is expected to be a part-time role. I personally consider myself to be holding two full-time jobs and put in the hours to do just that,” she says.

“I want to know I have brought value to my clients as an accountant and, equally, value to the ratepayers as an alderman.”

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