A local council in Victoria has taken proactive measures to safeguard its elected officials by equipping them with mobile “panic buttons” in response to increasing threats of violence from the public. The City of Greater Bendigo, located north-west of Melbourne, has provided its eight councillors with personal duress alarms, which can be worn as a necklace or on the hip. This decision follows a comprehensive review of unsociable behavior directed at local government staff and councillors.
When activated, these alarms notify a private security company, which then communicates with the councillor through an internal speaker. If there is no response, the company escalates the situation to emergency contacts and relevant authorities. Mayor Thomas Prince of the City of Greater Bendigo emphasized that while there are limits to how much can be done to protect councillors, the introduction of duress alarms is becoming more common across the local government sector.
Growing Concerns and Wider Adoption
The announcement comes as local governments across Victoria grapple with a surge in threatening behavior. Mayor Prince noted that during a recent Municipal Association of Victoria conference in Melbourne, he spoke with other councillors from metropolitan areas who had either implemented similar measures or were considering doing so.
Despite the growing trend, it remains unclear how many councils have adopted this technology. Several peak bodies, agencies, and the alarm company have been contacted for comment, but no responses have been received yet.
Effectiveness and Usage
Mayor Prince expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of the duress alarms in actual threatening situations. “No-one from Bendigo’s council has used the devices since they were handed out last week,” he stated. This reflects a broader uncertainty about the real-world utility of such devices in preventing or mitigating threats.
Reports of Intimidation Among Councillors
Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Victorian Local Governance Association revealed that four out of five Victorian councillors between 2020 and 2024 had experienced threatening or intimidating behavior. Bendigo councillor Aaron Spong shared his personal experience of increasing social media abuse, culminating in a public confrontation last week where he faced a vitriolic tirade from a stranger.
“I was taken aback by the incident [and] very, very disturbed by it all,” said Cr Spong, who is based in the small town of Heathcote.
Cr Spong also mentioned that he now feels the need to constantly evaluate the community’s mood whenever he goes out. “Every time I go out now, you have to evaluate or gauge the feel of the community,” he explained.
Calls for Stronger Measures
Across Victoria, councillors have voiced concerns about the threats they face, with some suggesting that it might take death threats for authorities to 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 said.
Despite the challenges, Cr Spong views the mobile duress alarms as a positive step. “I call them the panic buttons,” he commented, highlighting the urgent need for such devices.
Looking Ahead
The move represents a growing recognition of the risks faced by local government officials and the need for tangible protective measures. As the situation evolves, there is a pressing need for ongoing dialogue between councils, peak bodies, and the state government to ensure the safety and well-being of those serving in public office.
The Municipal Association of Victoria and Victoria’s Local Government Minister have been contacted for further comment on the issue. As more councils consider implementing similar safety measures, the effectiveness and necessity of these duress alarms will likely remain a topic of discussion in the months to come.
