Currumbin councillor Gail O’Neill saddened by personal attacks against departing Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey
A Gold Coast councillor has opened up about personal attacks and bullying ‘nastiness’ that drove out a prominent Gold Coast MP.
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LOCAL body politicians are increasingly subjected to the personal attacks and bullying that drove Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey to call it quits, a city councillor says.
Gold Coast Division 14 councillor Gail O’Neill told the Bulletin social media made it easier for keyboard warriors to take aim at elected representatives with vitriol.
Ms Stuckey announced her sudden resignation on Wednesday night.
The member of 16 years, whose electorate overlaps Cr O’Neill’s division, said she had been ‘swamped’ by a ‘black cloud’ of depression after being ‘ridiculed and abused’.
Ms Stuckey was due to retire after the State Government election in October, but made the ‘heart-wrenching’ decision to resign.
Cr O’Neill was saddened to hear her friend of more than 20 years was bowing out earlier than first planned, but said it was time for Ms Stuckey to focus on herself.
“It came as a surprise, but I also know she’s been unwell. You do have to think of your own health.
“She certainly represented her electorate extremely well. She’s so passionate about this electorate and put in a lot of hours. I just wish her all the best for her health, number one, but also her retirement. I think it is time to look after herself.”
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Cr O’Neill empathised with Ms Stuckey and said politicians seemed to be fair game for abusive commentators.
“I cop it to a lesser degree, though maybe even to a greater extent sometimes. It affects all of us (politicians). But when it affects your health that’s just terrible.
“Unfortunately, social media has given a platform for that behaviour to increase. I see it every day.”
Greater Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce vice president Chris Ward wished Ms Stuckey well in her retirement.
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He said Ms Stuckey performed well in her role and “will be sadly missed”.
“I think Jann has been extremely passionate about the electorate and the people within that electorate. She supports a lot of community-based organisations,” he said.
“Jann has always been an advocate, I think, of community consultation.
“We’re a fairly diverse community and I think it’s important a person gives due consideration to everyone’s point of view.”
Mr Ward said it would be a tough gig being a politician “in the spotlight all the time”.
“As a politician, no, you shouldn’t be subject to personal attacks. Absolutely not.
“We have enough bullying in the workplace and education system. You certainly don’t want it in the political system.”
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