Media response - following April Council meeting (2)

Published on 28 April 2023

Approach from The Age (paraphrasing email)

Councils are used to occasionally having large numbers of residents who oppose a development but typically do so respectfully. I'm hoping the CEO or Mayor could respond today to the following questions (listed below).

Response

  • How do you feel about the disruption of last night, the abuse that was yelled at councillors/council staff and the way it was managed?
  • Why do you think councils are increasingly being targeted?
  • What needs to happen from here: do councils need more support? What sort of support (security? stricter participation laws?) and does the state government need to help provide any resourcing?

We were pleased to complete the full meeting agenda last night and thank Victoria Police for their support in managing an increased number of people without major incident. Unfortunately, Councillors, staff and some attendees were verbally abused, and it was at times unsettling. Whilst we appreciate people have differing opinions, this level of abuse is never ok.

Local government is the closest and most accessible level of government to our community. Like other Councils, we are seeing an increased interest in people attending and submitting questions to meetings. Last night there were 59 questions, which were responded to. Prior to last night, we had not experienced any disruption to operation of meetings, and we hope that we can return to meetings where people can attend peacefully and safely.

We believe this is an opportunity for our sector to work together, share information and ensure that Councils can continue decision making for the benefit of local communities, with meetings remaining open. We know this is front of mind for the Municipal Association of Victoria and Victorian Local Government Association.

  • Are you concerned about the unpredictable nature of these types of protesters and the unease their presence is creating?
  • Are you concerned this behaviour could lead to ratepayers not wanting to engage in local democracy or people not wanting to become councillors?

Council is used to working and communicating with people in a heightened state, but the level of anger and abuse directed at our staff and Councillors, and misinformation spread on this issue has been concerning. With direct approaches to Councillors and staff at times overstepping the line of what we believe to be appropriate. If this was to continue in this way across Councils, there would inevitably be an impact of people looking to enter our sector – either as Councillors or employees.

We always encourage people to participate and engage with their local councils, but to be respectful when doing so.

  • One council has chosen to move its meetings online for the time being. Is this something Monash Council would consider or does the council prefer to avoid doing this? Why? 

While we understand why Councils may take this decision, we would be very reluctant to do so at Monash. We hope that last night was a one-off, and we can return to Council meetings without disruption so that community members, Councillors and staff can attend and participate safely.

Issued: 27 April 2023

To: The Age

Quoting: Mayor Cr Tina Samardzija