No investigation by Southern Downs Regional Council after councillor targeted by online trolls

Fed up with continuous online bullying and degrading sexist remarks online, councillors at a regional Queensland council have returned serve. HAVE YOUR SAY.

Southern Downs Regional Council has made a decision as to whether it will investigate social media accounts linked to recent derogatory and defamatory posts about a female councillor.

In a statement to the Warwick Daily News, mayor Melissa Hamilton said council was not investigating further.

“Council is not investigating any of the social media accounts involved in recent derogatory and defamatory content,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Except in instances of potential criminal activity, council is of the view that this is not constructive use of ratepayer funds.”

Councillor Morwenna Harslett has drawn the blinds on what’s been described as a “notorious” social media group targeting the region’s leaders, posting nasty remarks in an attempt to degrade and humiliate them.

Southern Downs councillor Morwenna Harslett is the next female leader to be targeted by cowardly online bullying. Photo: SDRC

Ms Harslett was the latest to be caught in the anonymous accounts line of fire, who also took aim at Australian Olympic breaking competitor B-girl Raygun.

It is understood the post was reported shortly after and taken down, with a fresh account claiming responsibility in a post to the group on August 13.

In a joint statement Southern Downs Regional Council said it was taking a stand against what it considered defamatory comments made on social media.

Southern Downs Regional Council has pledged to stand united against defamatory comments made on social media.

Bigger issues

Southern Downs residents have shared mixed feelings about the incident, with some suggesting councillors need to “toughen up”.

“I think they need to toughen up and do what they were voted to do. There’s bigger issues than protecting frail egos,” Darryl Evans wrote.

“You can’t hide people in the shadows. You want them in the light where you can see what they’re up to,” Kristi-Anne Hill wrote.

“There will always be keyboard warriors and that’s now a sad part of modern politics so they need to get on with governing Southern Downs which they were elected to do or resign is my thoughts,” Ian Barlow wrote.

No protection for local politicians

While others agreed the post was disrespectful and were appalled a member of the community would act in such a way.

“What possible thought pattern would someone have, to be making negative comments on a local council,” Mark Rodney Newlands wrote.

“Unlike state and federal politicians local politicians and candidates are not protected at law. Time for state government to enact laws,” the Granite Belt Music Council wrote.

As for comments suggesting crime and corruption exist within Southern Downs Regional Council, chief executive Dave Burges said any allegations of this nature would be referred to the relevant government agency.

“Council will treat any crime and corruption allegation in accordance with established processes and the requirements of relevant legislation,” Mr Burges said.

“Any allegations will be confidential and will be referred to the relevant

government agency.”

Originally published as No investigation by Southern Downs Regional Council after councillor targeted by online trolls