IPSWICH Mayor Teresa Harding has revealed disturbing threats against herself and her family but insists ratepayers should not foot the bill for councillors’ home security, as a controversial $6500 proposal heads to Ipswich City Council today.
Councillor Pye Augustine is calling for an investigation into ratepayer-funded security assistance for elected representatives, similar to a Queensland parliamentary scheme offering MPs up to $6500 per term.
Approved in February 2025, the allowance covers home security measures including cameras, alarms, security screens and lighting.
Cr Augustine’s motion would direct Council’s Chief Executive Officer to investigate existing protections, legal obligations, costs and eligibility, with a report due in January 2027.
Mayor Harding acknowledged the dangers facing elected representatives, particularly women, revealing police conducted a threat assessment involving her family shortly after she was elected in 2020.
“I personally recall a meeting initiated by QPS when I was first elected in 2020 where they outlined the threat assessment for me and my family,” she said.
“It was a confronting discussion.”
Mayor Harding also revealed alleged threatening behaviour involving a former councillor.
“After becoming quite aggressive and fixated with me, the situation was only ended when he (the former Councillor) was deemed a frivolous and vexatious complainant by the Queensland Government which carries a fine of up to $12,000 if the actions continued,” she said.
“Being a public figure, particularly when you are a woman, can unfortunately attract negative and sometimes aggressive or threatening attention.”
Cr Andrew Antoniolli backed the proposed investigation.
“Today’s society is no longer civil on matters. Social media has reduced people to their basest instinct and now threats are real,” he said.
“I am aware that some of my fellow councillors both here and around the State have been stalked and threatened with violence because of their job.”
Local Government Association of Queensland President Mayor Matt Burnett also called for stronger protections, including statewide reforms and tougher penalties for threatening behaviour.
