A local council in the City of Greater Bendigo, located north-west of Melbourne, has taken a proactive step to safeguard its elected representatives by providing them with personal duress alarms. This decision comes in response to escalating threats of violence from the public directed at local government officials.
The council has equipped its eight councillors with mobile “panic buttons,” which can be worn as a necklace or on the hip. This initiative follows a comprehensive review into unsociable behavior targeting local government staff and councillors. When activated, these alarms notify a private security company, which then attempts to communicate with the individual through an internal speaker. If there is no response, the agency can escalate the situation to emergency contacts and relevant authorities.
Growing Concerns of Safety in Local Government
City of Greater Bendigo Council Mayor Thomas Prince acknowledged the limitations in protecting councillors, highlighting that the introduction of duress alarms is becoming a common practice across the local government sector. “When I was down in Melbourne for a Municipal Association of Victoria conference, I spoke to some other councillors from metropolitan areas that either had them, or were in those discussions [to get them],” said Cr Prince.
Despite the implementation of this technology, it remains unclear how many councils have adopted similar measures. Several peak bodies, agencies, and the alarm company have been contacted for further comment. Cr Prince expressed uncertainty about the practical effectiveness of these alarms in real-life threatening situations, noting that none of Bendigo’s councillors had used the devices since their distribution last week.
Threats and Intimidation: A Widespread Issue
A recent survey conducted by the Victorian Local Governance Association revealed that four out of five Victorian councillors between 2020 and 2024 experienced threatening or intimidating behavior. Bendigo councillor Aaron Spong shared his personal experience of increasing social media abuse, culminating in a public incident where he was subjected to a vitriolic tirade by a stranger.
“I was taken aback by the incident [and] very, very disturbed by it all,” Cr Spong recounted.
Based in the small town of Heathcote, Cr Spong expressed concern over the unpredictable nature of such encounters, stating, “Every time I go out now, you have to evaluate or gauge the feel of the community.”
Escalating Threats Across Victoria
Councillors across Victoria have raised alarms about the increasing threats of violence, with some suggesting that it might take severe incidents, such as death threats, before authorities take decisive action. In one alarming instance, a member of the public threatened a councillor online, stating they would shoot them.
“We are in the front line, being local government, [and] we tend to feel the brunt of all government issues, whether it’s state or federal,” Cr Spong explained.
Despite the challenges, Cr Spong views the mobile duress alarms as a positive step, referring to them as “panic buttons.” The Municipal Association of Victoria and Victoria’s Local Government Minister have been approached for their perspectives on this growing concern.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
The introduction of duress alarms in Bendigo highlights a broader issue facing local governments across Australia. As threats against councillors become more prevalent, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of public officials. This development underscores the importance of fostering a respectful and safe environment for those serving in public office.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for local governments, law enforcement, and community leaders to collaborate on effective measures that address the root causes of such hostility. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of duress alarms and other protective measures will be closely monitored, potentially serving as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges.
