Former SA councillor and Liberal MP Paula Luethen says sexual harassment is ‘widespread’ in local government
Sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unwelcome comments are rife in local government, a former councillor turned MP has told parliament.
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Sexual harassment and “unwelcome comments” are “widespread” in local government across the state, a former Tea Tree Gully councillor has told parliament.
Member for King Paula Luethen told parliament last week she had been informed by staff “from more than one council” that this type of inappropriate behaviour was “widespread”.
The Liberal MP spoke in support of the Local Government Review Bill, which aims to reform councils and crack down on bad behaviour, and was introduced to parliament this year.
“Sexual harassment is not always what we do to people,” Ms Luethen said in her speech.
“For example hit someone on the bottom, but about what we say as well, for example: ‘Can you wear red lipstick to the council meeting?’
“Or: ‘You look good in those black pants. Can you wear them again on Friday?’
“These comments are not respectful and they are not welcome.
“We need to stamp out some of the inappropriate behaviour we see in the local government sector.”
However, Ms Luethen would not say which council staff informed her of the behaviour, or if those specific comments were directed at her.
Ms Luethen said there needed to be an “easy-to-access confidential path” for staff and elected members to speak up with complaints of “unwelcome conduct” so safer and more respectful workplaces can be created.
“These complaints also need to be dealt with in a cost-effective way, so that ratepayers’ money is not wasted,” she said.
“If unwelcome behaviour or sexual harassment is substantiated, there needs to be consequences, and effective way to ensure cessation of offensive behaviour, and if there is a pattern of this inappropriate and unwelcome behaviour there needs to be serious consequences.”
She said it is possible for elected members, who repeat sexual harassment and are directed by council to apologise multiple times and repeat sexual harassment training, but show “no changes in their behaviour and no real consequences”.
However, she was glad the Local Government Review Bill addressed sexual harassment.
“I am pleased this bill includes a requirement for council CEOs to ensure that employees are provided with appropriate protections from and responses to sexual harassment from elected members,” she said.
Local Government Association SA president Sam Telfer said it had been advocating for stronger powers for councils to addresses behavioural issues.
“We are pleased that the bill delivers this,” Mr Telfer said.
“The sector supports the proposed new behaviour standards for elected members, and the new Local Government Behaviour Panel.
“These changes will help councils quickly and effectively deal with bad behaviour, with the panel having the power to impose sanctions where necessary, including suspensions of up to three months.”
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