Stonnington mayor Kate Hely reveals online abuse

An inner city mayor has broken down in tears in public as she described the torrent of abuse she gets on social media — and the council has voted to take action.

Stonnington mayor Kate Hely made a tearful speech on mutual respect at the council's May 17 meeting. Picture: Screenshot from live stream with permission from Stonnington Council.

A suburban mayor has broken down in tears during a public meeting as she described the torrent of abuse she has received online, including accusations of being corrupt and an “incredible bitch”.

Mayor Kate Hely, a first-term councillor, was brought to tears as the council voted on a Mutual Respect Charter, in the wake of councillors and staff experiencing “poor behaviours” and a recent increase in “behaviour related” occupational health and safety reports from frontline staff.

Cr Hely revealed the insults and trolling she has received included a Facebook user calling her “the worst human leading Stonnington”, “a tyrant”, an “absolute cow”, a “female hater”, and an “incredible bitch”.

Leader has obtained screenshots of the comments and private messages.

Stonnington mayor Kate Hely was described as a "bitch" and a "tyrant" on her Facebook page. Picture: Supplied.

Stonnington mayor Kate Hely has been attacked by followers on her councillor Facebook page. Picture: Supplied.

Stonnington mayor Kate Hely was called 'a cow' and told to resign in a private message. Picture: Supplied.

“In the job description of being a councillor and a mayor, it says nowhere that you have to grow a thick skin,” Cr Hely said.

“I’ve got no problem with differing opinions … but trolling, bullying, hate speech and harassment cannot be labelled as politically reasonable scrutiny.”

“No matter where you are, who you are, or where you come from, we are all deserving of mutual respect and kindness.”

Stonnington mayor Kate Hely broke down during her speech on the council's mutual respect charter. Picture: Screenshot from live stream with permission from Stonnington Council.

Fellow councillors Jami Klisaris and Polly Morgan also shared examples of online abuse they had received.

Cr Klisaris cited an email where she was labelled a “bogan lawyer” and received threats to be finished off.

The sender then said they wanted her to be re-elected and stay on council, as meetings would be “like a barbecue with a different sauce”.

“Just because we are on council and some perceive we are politicians does not mean we are trash, and ratepayers can speak to us however they want,” she said.

Cr Morgan said she was described as a “green homo dole bludger” during her election campaign.

Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston said the group welcomed the policy but it needed to be “used and applied in a balanced and fair manner”.

Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston.

“Without further development it could lead to stifling of free speech, and councillors refusing to engage with residents who disagree with them,” he said.

“People also have the right to criticise a subject matter or decision, as long as its not a personal attack on the individual.

“It’s a two-way street here, and councillors and council staff must start with respect to get respect.”

Cr Hely said community feedback showed they wanted Stonnington to be “a caring, compassionate and supportive city.”

“This charter is acting on that ambition and respects the needs and role of the community and council in delivering that environment,” she said.