More power to combat bullying of council election candidates to be explored by City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will explore ways for it to have more power to address allegations of bullying of council candidates during election campaigns after “multiple concerns” were raised this year. Mayor Glenn Wilson raised the motion with notice at Monday’s council meeting, stating several reports regarding the behaviour of candidates during the October election campaign period had been made to both the council and the returning officer. Cr Deborah Botica spoke during the meeting to reveal she and at least one other candidate were victims of online bullying of the “most disparaging nature” based on “fabricated accusations, hearsay and innuendo” as well as “disgusting, vile” comments on social media made by fellow candidates. She said she reported the allegations to the WA Electoral Commission and returning officer and was told reports needed to be handled by the city during elections. However, she was then told by the city that no action could be taken regarding the allegations of a breach of code of conduct until the person accused of the negative behaviour was elected. “The perpetrators felt that they could say and do whatever they wanted with total impunity,” she said. “Unfortunately, due to what happened to me personally, I had to seek legal advice and then take action through my own lawyers.” Mr Wilson’s motion was unanimously supported and will now see complaints by or against candidates during the election process included in the chief executive’s post-election report. A report will also be prepared for Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils to consider advocating for strengthening the enforcement capability of local governments in relation to candidate behaviour during elections, and a letter will also be sent to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley. “I believe it is appropriate to request that concerns raised during the recent election process are appropriately addressed and that future elections are conducted with enhanced safeguards and clearer avenues for recourse,” Mr Wilson said. “These actions aim to support the integrity of the democratic process, uphold the standards set out in the code of conduct for councillors, committee members and candidates, and advocate for improved legislative and operational frameworks.” Cr Botica said she had also written to Ms Beazley and was awaiting a response. “Something needs to be done urgently, because the code of conduct in relation to candidates is obviously not worth the paper it’s written on,” she said. “And as a council, we need to show a duty of care to those around the table and to future candidates so that they do not experience the same type of behaviour and have some form of protection. “The State Government needs to step up and take action on bullying within an election and give councils the power to actually implement their codes of conduct and to discipline those who are involved in this type of behaviour. “An election never gives anyone the excuse to annihilate their opponents, reputations, businesses, families and names.” Cr Botica said no one deserved to be bullied, regardless of whether they were putting themselves on a public platform. “Some could say (if you) nominate and decide to run an election, (you) should expect that not everyone’s going to like you,” she said. “I totally appreciate that . . . but your families, your businesses, shouldn’t be attacked, and you don’t expect someone to denigrate you with fabricated stories that have the ability to cause tremendous harm within our community. “We all know that victims of online bullying can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe. “It can lead to all sorts of emotional and psychological issues for people, and that young people in particular can also have high levels of suicide. “But bullying, at any age, is not OK.”