Lift the Tone: A Call for Respect in Local Politics
Lift the Tone: A Call for Respect in Local Politics
Last week, the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) launched the Lift the Tone campaign, an initiative aimed at tackling the growing abuse and intimidation faced by elected representatives across the state.
The campaign encourages everyone to commit to respectful communication—both online and in person. After all, a healthy democracy depends on civil debate, not anonymous hostility or shouting matches in the supermarket aisle.
Nearly 80% of councillors surveyed reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the past two years. That’s not just concerning—it’s unsustainable. Even more troubling, 36.8% said they had been subjected to verbal abuse in public spaces, sometimes in front of their children or family members.
Most elected representatives aren’t doing this for the spotlight. They step forward because they care deeply about their communities. You may not agree with every decision they make, but the goal is the same: a stronger, better place to live.
And it’s not just Councillors. Council staff—the ones answering phones, processing planning applications, managing local events, fixing infrastructure, and generally keeping things ticking—are often on the receiving end of aggression too. They deserve the same respect and professionalism you'd expect in return.
Bad behaviour discourages good people from running for office and working in local government. It undermines trust and chips away at the very foundation of our democracy. Disagreement is normal. Disrespect shouldn't be.