Ararat Rural City Council Joins Call to Stop Abuse Against Local Government Workers

Ararat Rural City Council is supporting a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) that seeks an end to abusive and negative behaviours towards Councillors and Council staff.

The motion is in response to several Victorian Councils experiencing an increase in negative behaviour and attacks on social media. Ararat Rural City Council staff and Councillors have also experienced abuse and harassment in their workplace, on social media, and in their personal lives.

“Our Council staff work hard to serve their community, but they can't do their best work if they're worried about their own or their family's safety,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison.

“Because of the wide range of services we provide and the diverse views within the community, people may occasionally have a complaint they need resolved or may disagree with a council decision.”

“We have a clear and public Complaints Handling Policy that provides an efficient and fair way to resolve complaints. This policy also outlines the standards of conduct that we expect from those wishing to make a complaint to ensure a respectful and productive process.”  

“Misinformation has led some community members to direct abusive and inappropriate behavior towards our Councillors and Council staff. Reacting to false information does not give anyone the right to be abusive or negative. That kind of behavior is simply not acceptable.”

Council’s Complaints Handling Policy is available to view and download from our website: www.ararat.vic.gov.au/council/council-documents/policies