Incivility– a looming threat to local democracy

Across the globe, hostility toward elected representatives and distrust in public institutions is rising. Nowhere is this truer than at a local level – the most accessible tier of government.

At a recent Global Executive Live Panel hosted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), in partnership with the UK-based Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), one message was clear – incivility is rising, it’s being normalised, and it is no longer the exception.

Panellists from Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia shared alarmingly similar stories about elected representatives and public servants being subjected to threats and ongoing harassment.

Jo Miller, Chief Executive of Hutt City Council in New Zealand said recent survey results in New Zealand showed a stark rise in incivility. 74% of civic officials shared they had experienced harassment last year, compared to 43% in 2022. 

“You used to be able to shut your door and leave it behind. Now it follows you home,” Ms Miller shared with the Panel in May.

In Australia, councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric.

The VLGA’s Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Arndt said the first year of this council term had been marred by a growing number of reports of local government elected officials in Victoria being threatened, abused and harassed online and in person.

“While robust debate and diversity of opinions have been shown to produce better community outcomes, the behaviours experienced by some councillors goes beyond that and have been identified as bullying, harassment and intimidation,” Ms Arndt said.

“We know councillors are facing increased hostility and intense scrutiny in their roles as elected representatives, both from the public, the media and within their own council groups.

“The behaviour they are being subjected to is taking its toll, and sadly for some it becomes too much, and they choose to leave the sector all together.”

Research undertaken by the VLGA, in collaboration with the Australian Research Council (ARC), together with the VLGA’s 2024 Census findings, highlight the need for more robust and effective remedies when discourse breaks down.

The VLGA Victorian Councillor Census, conducted for the first time in June 2024, showed more than 80 per cent of respondents had experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour in their role as a councillor.  

According to the survey findings, 41 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men regularly experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour from another councillor 

Bullying and harassment were also identified as key factors for councillors not standing for re-election.

Ms Arndt said the VLGA was calling on the Victorian Government and other peak bodies to work with them to implement programs and systematic change to combat the incivilities experienced in the sector, particularly by women councillors.  

“We know that diversity in the council chamber inevitably leads to strengthened and more informed decision making and good governance and contributes to the prevention of fraud and corruption in local government. 

“Sadly, our data shows that abuse disproportionately affects women, young people and minority communities,” she said.

The implications of unchecked civility are far reaching and go beyond individual wellbeing.

“This current working environment for elected representatives poses a significant threat to democracy, Ms Arndt said.

“Any behaviour that is threatening, abusive or makes peoples feel unsafe or intimidated, is not only unacceptable, but it also compromises the foundations of local democracy.”

“Everyone, whether it be an elected representative or community member, has the right to actively participate in respectful ways in key discussions, decision making and any other fundamental aspects of this country’s democratic system without fear and without threats to their personal safety or targeted personal attacks,” she said.

“The VLGA has invested heavily in enhancing support networks for councillors – both professionally and personally but it is an issue we can’t tackle alone.”

“We are committed to working with the Victorian State Government and councils to improve culture in local government, ensuring councillors are supported and equipped with everything they need to deliver the best outcomes for the communities they represent.

“In addition, we want the working landscape for councillors to be one underpinned by good governance, effective leadership and respectful relationships. This is as much about culture as it is about policy,” Ms Arndt said.

Canadian author, Diane Kalen-Sukra echoed a similar sentiment at the VLGA’s Global Panel.

“Addressing civility was not just about managing people”, she said.

“It is also a governance issue, and it requires a multi-pronged approach.”

The VLGA is currently seeking funding support from the Victorian Government to expand its councillor advice and support hotline and introduce a dedicated Employee Assistance-like program for councillors.

“As the only organisation with a singular focus on supporting councillors and the people who work with them to change culture, improve conduct and demonstrate good local governance, we are best placed to continue this important work, Ms Arndt said.

“Many councillors at VLGA member councils have expressed genuine concerns about the lack of supports available to them, particularly from a health and wellbeing perspective.

“A formal, dedicated and confidential hotline would ensure councillors can be provided with accurate advice by subject matter experts whenever they need it.”

“Both federal and state government in Australia should be concerned that the results of the Census demonstrate that at a local level of government, many elected representatives have experienced and are experiencing trauma.”

The VLGA will also be conducting its Victorian Councillor Census for the second-year next month. A copy of the Census will be sent to all Victorian Councillors from October 6.

“The Census will allow the sector to capture and track councillor demographics, attitudes and key challenges for local council governance annually. It will also provide valuable insights into how the sector can respond and be better placed to support and empower councils and councillors to be successful in their roles,” Ms Arndt said.