Australian Local Government Association calls for representative safety

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is calling for enhanced protections for elected officials following an incident involving Federal MP Dr. Helen Haines in Wangaratta. ALGA President Matt Burnett stated that while robust debate is fundamental to democracy, threats, intimidation, and violence have no place in the political system.

Burnett highlighted growing concerns regarding harassment and abuse directed at representatives at all levels of government. He noted that female representatives face specific risks, citing data where 90 per cent of surveyed elected women reported experiencing online abuse. The association also referenced a previous incident involving the firebombing of Cumberland City Mayor Ola Hamed’s vehicle.

To address these challenges, ALGA is hosting a webinar titled ‘Surviving the Comment Section’. Led by social media strategist Felicity Cull, the session aims to equip councillors with tools to manage online hostility, handle personal attacks, and maintain productive digital engagement without compromising personal safety.