ALGWA Tasmania wants an end to sexism, bullying and harassment (including sexual) in local government and wants the state government to exercise its authority to effect change. A joint statement by female leaders in local government (The Mercury, 20 March) called for safe workplaces and respect for women.
In late 2019, in response to several resignations by young women in local government, the Local Government Association of Tasmania conducted a survey for elected members about bullying and harassment online.
The survey had a big response, with a third of elected members responding and 60% reporting that they have experienced online bullying and harassment, including from other elected members.
The survey revealed that 66% of respondents were not provided any support. Since this survey was presented to the Minister for Local Government at a General Meeting of Councils, nothing has been done to address this concerning feedback.
Everything that is worth doing in life is difficult and public life is the same. No-one enters politics if they have thin skin.
You expect – indeed, welcome – different perspectives and robust debate focused on the issues.
However, what I hear about people behaving appallingly is alarming. In my role with ALGWA Tas. in just a few examples I have mentored an employee who had been harassed and stalked by a male Councillor, two new female councillors – women with professional and excellent life skills who at their first meetings were told they would best keep quiet, a female councillor who has had many years in local government saying that in all her time the behaviour she is encountering now is at an all-time low.
Bad behaviour becomes deeply personal for the person on the receiving end.
Recent reports have illustrated that gender-based harassment and sexual violence in workplaces continues to be a constant issue for many women. There has been a 62% rise in women reporting alleged sexual harassment and discrimination with many women seeking counselling.
We are calling for the proper standards of human behaviour to be exhibited in our workplace. ALGWA Tas is calling for respect to be restored, improved human resource systems, counselling support and mandatory health and safety training and importantly the creation of a proper complaints process that would be safe, confidential, practical, and directly effective. Employees and elected members should be able to confidently report any incidents of inappropriate behaviour and know that the process is direct, non- arduous, provide protection and will guarantee an outcome.
In local government we do not need a masculinity that disparages the value of a woman, we don’t want to see smug, brutish behaviour of male politicians which only leads to the entrenchment of dangerous stereotypes for the broader community. We welcome a masculinity that is empathetic, kind and takes the time to properly listen.
We acknowledge that men who have behaved badly, previously held sexist views, and have since reflected and changed are an example of strength not weakness.
With local government often being the first point of entry into a political life and the government closest to its people, it is essential that all levels of government work to bring about positive action to address workplace disrespectful behaviour in local government.
The behaviour of all members of all levels of government needs to be reflective of behaviour we want to see emulated in our communities.
Debra Thurley is a Clarence City Councillor and National Treasurer and State Secretary (Tasmania) of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.
