Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted a new framework that establishes a clear, preventative approach to managing psychosocial risks faced by Councillors – including violence, aggression, bullying, harassment, and conflict arising from community interactions – while promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and ethical leadership across the organisation.
The Council adopted the Councillor Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing Framework – Foundation Stage at its October Ordinary Meeting.
Council’s Acting General Manager, Lindsay Woodland said the Framework extends Council’s safety culture to include elected representatives.
“Councillors operate in a demanding environment involving public scrutiny, community expectations, and emotionally charged interactions. This Framework gives them the tools, training, and support to manage those pressures safely and effectively while strengthening a culture of respect and wellbeing,” Mr Woodland said.
As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), Council and its Officers are required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) to provide a work environment free from risks to both physical and psychological health. These laws recognise psychosocial risks such as stress, bullying, aggression, and conflict as key hazards that must be actively managed.
Council Officers also have a duty to exercise due diligence – taking reasonable steps to identify, eliminate, or minimise risks and to provide training, support, and supervision. Inaction when risks are known is a breach of this duty. The Framework gives practical effect to these legal obligations by providing structured processes to identify, assess, and manage psychosocial hazards within the Councillor work environment. It applies to all elected Councillors and aligns with Council’s Code of Conduct and existing WHS systems.
Mayor, Margot Davis said the Framework has been designed to “protect people, not politics”.
“This Framework delivers on Council’s original resolutions by introducing structured processes to prevent harm, support wellbeing, and strengthen respectful relationships,” she said.
“It aligns with Work Health and Safety obligations and the Code of Conduct – clarifying our shared duty of care and making it easier to understand our roles and responsibilities as a Council, as Councillors, and as members of the community. It reduces risk by putting prevention first, not by creating new entitlements or changing legislation.
“This initiative promotes respectful communication in meetings, online, and across our community – helping reduce hostility, misinformation, and personal attacks.
“When we uphold our shared duty of care, we strengthen trust, democracy, and the wellbeing of everyone involved in local civic life,” said Mayor Davis.
The Foundation Stage addresses the most prevalent psychosocial risks and introduces actions such as mental health support, training in managing conflict and abuse, and clear reporting and debriefing procedures. Phase 2, to be completed by March 2026, will expand to cover all 14 psychosocial hazards identified in the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice, co-designed with Councillors and external experts.
“By setting a standard for respectful leadership and safe civic participation, Glen Innes Severn is leading the way. This framework protects those who serve and encourages more people to put their hand up for local government – knowing their wellbeing will be respected and supported,” Cr Davis said.
The 29-page Councillor Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing Framework – Foundation Stage is available at www.gisc.nsw.gov.au.
