The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has launched a campaign to address what it says is an alarming rise of abuse and intimidation faced by elected representatives.
Recent data revealed that almost 80% of surveyed elected representatives in Tasmania reported experiencing abuse or intimidation from community members in the past two years.
LGAT Vice President, Mayor Paula Wriedt said the survey indicated most councillors had been subjected to abuse or intimidation to varying degrees.
“The most common settings were social media (47.3%) and public spaces (36.8%),” President Wriedt said.
“This behaviour has serious impacts on both mental and physical health, not only for elected representatives but also for their families.”
Respondents reported alarming instances of abuse, including, trespass on private property, death threats requiring home security measures, verbal assaults in public and harassment while with family members, and acts of intimidation such as nails thrown in driveways.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and needs to stop,” she said.
Well Minds Work Clinical Psychologist, Dr Emma Richardson said the impact of abuse could be detrimental to a person’s physical and mental health.
“Bullying increases the risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, low self-worth and illnesses such as cardiovascular disease,” Dr Richardson said.
“It can lead to significant social isolation and feelings of being unsafe, negatively impacting those who witness it and increasing the risk of anxiety and depression in the family and friends of those who are bullied.”
Minister for Local Government, Kerry Vincent highlighted the importance of fostering respectful interactions, which can then create healthy debate and overall better decision making by councillors.
“Elected representatives play an important role in shaping our local communities and everyone has the right to work without hostility,” Minister Vincent said.
“Respect is a two-way street, and my expectation is the community and their elected officials treat each other with professionalism and kindness.
“We can disagree without disrespect, and I want to remove any deterrent for good people to stand for election,” he said.
President Wriedt said elected representatives were part of local communities, and while they are accountable for their decisions, they are not fair game for abuse.
“The campaign aims to promote civility in public debate and target online abuse, which has become a significant issue for our sector,” she said.
“If it’s not acceptable on the street or in the workplace, it’s not online.”
The campaign is being rolled out across social media, digital platforms, and Tasmanian councils
