Abuse and threats have no place in our community

Grey District Council (GDC) is calling out the appalling behaviour occurring on some social media pages and community groups in recent weeks.

“Robust debate and challenge are welcome, abuse is not,” says Chief Executive Joanne Soderlund.

“We will always front up to tough issues like rates and the proposed water services CCO. But the personal attacks, cyberbullying, and violent threats aimed at councillors and staff are unacceptable and unlawful. References to assassination, waterboarding elected members and burning down the Council are beyond disgraceful. As Chief Executive, I must call out this behaviour on behalf of Councillors and our staff.”

Mrs Soderlund notes that while most of the community engages in respectful discussion, a small minority of comments have crossed the line.

“Councillors and council staff are ordinary people that are part of our community. They have friends and family who see this hate. Too often people feel emboldened behind a phone or a keyboard. Hiding behind an anonymous profile may feel brave to some, but it does not make the behaviour any less harmful or any less serious. As an organisation, we will not accept or tolerate this. As a community we should be setting a better example for the next generation.”

Councillors make hard decisions, often with no perfect option. They listen, weigh up the pros and cons, and act for the good of the district. Challenge the ideas, bring evidence, ask hard questions and participate in robust debate, but death threats, incitement to violence, and vile online abuse are unacceptable.

Council acknowledges that the ongoing intensity of negative commentary can be difficult for anyone to cope with. One councillor, under this strain, posted inappropriate comments online that were quickly taken down. This will be dealt with in the appropriate way through Council’s processes.

While regrettable, this incident must not distract from the real issue, the threats and abuse towards councillors and staff have gone far beyond acceptable community debate.

People must feel safe to serve on Council and safe to work at Council. If public service means bracing for abuse and threats, fewer people will step forward. Respectful debate strengthens our district; abuse weakens it.

Respectful democracy - use your voice where it counts

“As our community enters the local election period, use your voice where it matters - vote,” Mrs Soderlund says.

“Strong governance depends on people feeling safe to stand and safe to serve. Make your views count at the ballot box - not by bullying, harassing or threatening those who put their hands up, or those who come to work each day to deliver services for the ratepayers.”

What Council will and won’t do

• Zero tolerance: Any credible threat or incitement to violence against any councillor or staff member will be recorded and referred to Police.
• Focus on official channels: GDC will provide timely, accurate information via its official channels.
• No engagement in unofficial community-group pages: Given the volume of groups and the lack of moderation control, GDC will not monitor or engage within third-party community groups.

How to have your say (constructively)

Use our official social media pages, the GDC website (news, consultations and contact forms), email, phone, or in person at the administration building. You can also participate in formal consultations, make written submissions, and request to speak at the public forum of Council meetings. Debate and input are welcome; hate, threats and cyberbullying are not.