Think twice before you post online

Councillors being hit by online bullying as never before, says Katrena Stephenson

THERE has been considerable conversation about harassment of Tasmanian councillors through social media. This is increasingly being experienced in local government, not just in Tasmania but nationally, and not just by elected members but council staff.

It appears to be a consequence of two cultural changes. Firstly, a trend around the world to be focused more on short-term political spin than long-term policy and secondly a willingness to accept untested issues raised on social media and beyond that, to spread this often inaccurate information at the click of a button. A normalisation of nastiness seems to be occurring in parallel to a diminishing trust of all levels of government.

In all of the noise, the important role of councils gets lost, as does the understanding of how accessible your council and councillors are and how easily communities can engage in local democracy.

Local government’s role has expanded from building roads, bridges and public buildings to providing services such as sport and recreation facilities, community care, health and welfare services. Councils are planning for climate impacts, promoting economic growth, managing the environment and doing land use planning as well as holding many statutory roles on behalf of federal and state government.

In doing all this, councils are working in a highly visible and accessible way. Council meetings are open to the public, councillors publish contact information and councils engage with the community in a variety of ways.

There is much confusion around what local government councillors do and what they get paid in Tasmania. Councillors are not paid salaries but receive an allowance to cover some of the costs involved in having to phone, write and visit constituents, take part in community events and attend council meetings. Allowances are relatively small compared to the hours committed. In smaller Tasmanian councils the annual allowance is $9546 ranging through to $37,198 for the major metropolitan councils.

LGAT’s regular postelection survey of elected members reveals that a majority reported spending more than 15 hours per week on council business, with many doing much more. A mayor will generally work more than 50 hours a week for council. Given many councillors are self-employed or work full-time, it represents a considerable workload in addition to their other paid work. Combined with high levels of involvement with organisations other than council, the commitment is significant.

The work of councils is complex and the decisions are critically important to communities. Councillors normally have only a few days to read and understand hundreds of pages of agenda for each meeting. They need to find time to follow up residents’ requests, speak with staff and attend meetings and fit that around work and home. They might be needed at openings, celebrations, art shows, festivals, exhibitions, business awards, business breakfasts, school plays, science shows and charity functions.

There can be tough days, days when they have to make a decision despite empathising with both sides of the argument and knowing their vote is going to disappoint or disadvantage someone who has convincing concerns.

The next time you are thinking about criticising a councillor on social media ask,

DO I TRUST that what I am reading is true and accurate?

WHAT EVIDENCE do I have to support what I am saying?

HAVE I CONTACTED the council, mayor or a councillor with my concerns before airing them online?

HAVE I RAISED my concerns publicly through the public question time available at every council meeting?

WOULD I BE comfortable if the person who is the subject of my comments read them?

COULD MY COMMENTS be hurtful or upsetting or cause mental harm? WOULD MY COMMENTS constitute bullying under proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Criminal Code Act 1924?