Hepburn Shire Council has issued a strong statement condemning an attack on its Chief Executive Officer and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for all Councillors and staff. In an urgent motion passed this week, Council expressed full support for the CEO and for officers who, it said, are entitled to carry out their roles without fear, intimidation or harassment.
Last week, Mr Thomas had a coffee thrown at him by a community member after a brief discussion outside a coffee shop on Albert Street in Daylesford.
The motion comes amid online discussions and speculation on community noticeboards and a recent media enquiry relating to staffing matters. In a follow-up statement, Council said it would not comment publicly on individual employment issues and emphasised the need to protect the privacy and wellbeing of staff, including former employees. It noted that naming or targeting staff on social media or in media reports is inappropriate and unacceptable, and that council officers are professionals engaged to serve the community, not public political figures.
Council reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse both in person and online. Council has called on local community online forums to value open debate but to also ensure that the conversation stays grounded in fact and respect.
Council said that attempts to vilify, intimidate or cast aspersions on individuals because of their employment with Council undermine constructive community dialogue and do not serve the public interest. It also highlighted the existence of communication protocols that apply to a very small number of community members. These restrictions, it said, are imposed to ensure Councillors and staff can work in a safe environment, consistent with the statutory responsibilities of the CEO.
Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that the attack on Mr Thomas was unacceptable and intolerable, and that violence is never the answer.
“Abuse, aggressive attacks and threatening behaviour are never okay. Everyone deserves to feel safe when at work and out and about in our community,” said Cr Clark.
The mayor has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Police and the Minister for Local Government to discuss what improvements can be made to legislation to safeguard the physical and online safety of Councillors and Council officers.
Council will continue to advocate to the Municipal Association of Victoria for a state wide campaign to address unacceptable behaviour, disinformation and misinformation in our communities.
The incident was reported to Victoria Police who are investigating the matter.
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