The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) yesterday hosted a roundtable to examine the growing prevalence of trolling, doxxing, deepfakes and malicious misuse of governance processes to undermine local leadership and democratic participation.
The Association says the discussion will help it shape new initiatives to support councils in countering disinformation and harassment.
The talks brought together Australian and European mayors, CEOs, government officials, academics and other subject experts.
MAV Head of Democracy and Diplomacy, Ika Trijsburg (pictured) highlighted the urgent demand for a coordinated response.
“Local leaders are at the front line of our democracy. Increasing disinformation and harassment campaigns are designed to silence voices, discredit individuals and weaken trust in government,” Ms Trijsburg said.
“Recent global research in the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that 40% of respondents felt hostile activism was justified to drive change, with 27% admitting to attacking people online and 25% intentionally spreading disinformation.
“These trends, combined with a polarised information environment and declining institutional trust, place growing pressure on local government to lead responses that protect leaders without curtailing legitimate democratic debate.”
MAV President, Jennifer Anderso, said the outcomes of the roundtable would shape the association’s ongoing work.
“Our goal is to ensure local leaders are supported to do their job safely, and that councils can continue to engage communities in robust democratic processes without fear or manipulation. This work is about safeguarding the future of active local democracy,” she said.
