Council has asked councillors to consider endorsing a statement that prevents harassment of staff and their families.
At the Tuesday, February 18 council meeting an urgent matter of business was presented at the meeting’s start.
Chief executive Pauline Gordon announced council would be seeking to take a ‘zero-tolerance’ stance against harassment.
“Council acknowledges and extends its zero tolerance stance to the families of our employees, volunteers and councillors, ensuring their protection from any form of abuse or harassment,” Ms Gordon said.
At the meeting, Ms Gordon explained action was prompted by an incident in which a community member approached a council officer’s parent at their residence.
A spokesperson for council later revealed to the Free Press that the community member approached the parent in regards to the proposed redevelopment of the Wilf Cox Pavilion in Kyabram.
Cr Rob Amos, who moved the motion, said the incident was “totally out of line”, while Cr Zoe Cook, who seconded the motion, said a statement would future-proof protection for groups of priority.
“Especially gender or gender-diverse people — and men, too — for anyone who volunteers for council, their safety is the utmost priority,” she said.
The incident stirred strong emotions for Cr Tony Marwood.
“Personally when I first heard of this I first thought of my elderly mother and I would hate to think that she came to any threat because I just happened to be a councillor,” he said.
The motion for councillors to ask a council officer to produce the policy and zero-tolerance statement was voted for unanimously.
Speaking with the Free Press after the meeting, Mayor Daniel Mackrell said there were correct procedures to engage with council, and implored concerned community members to act appropriately.
“Council understands that people are passionate about their communities and seeks to engage with the community wherever possible on matters that impact them,” he said.
“We will not tolerate any form of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or psychological abuse, violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, derogatory remarks or offensive emails.
“Council acknowledges and extends its zero-tolerance stance to the families of our employees, volunteers and councillors, ensuring their protection from any form of abuse or harassment.
“Council has agreed that we’re dedicated to creating a safe, productive and healthy environment for everyone, including employees, volunteers, visitors and councillors and our families, based on mutual respect.
“We won’t tolerate any form of abuse, violence, harassment, bullying or offensive behaviour.”
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