IPSWICH councillors have voted to prioritise ratepayer-funded home security protections similar to the $6500 allowance available to Queensland Members of Parliament, following a bitter Ipswich City Council showdown that saw Mayor Teresa Harding break ranks over concerns about the cost to residents.
The controversial decision at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Thursday followed a dramatic amendment by Councillor Pye Augustine, who abandoned her original proposal for a detailed investigation in favour of immediate action to strengthen protections for elected representatives facing threats, harassment and intimidation.
The amended motion, was carried overwhelmingly, with Cr Harding and Councillor Marnie Doyle the only two councillors voting against it.
The vote followed fierce community backlash over the prospect of public money funding security improvements at councillors’ private residences, exposing sharp divisions over whether elected representatives should receive protections unavailable to ordinary residents.
Tensions erupted when Cr Augustine accused the Mayor of putting financial considerations ahead of councillors’ personal safety, delivering an emotional account of threats that had left her feeling unsafe in her own home.
Cr Augustine revealed she had been personally threatened approximately a year ago, resulting in an exclusion zone being imposed against an individual at Council premises, but questioned what protection existed beyond Council property.
“For me, there’s still a clear and present danger associated with this risk,” she said. “Don’t you come and tell me how I should feel about my safety.”
Her comments followed Mayor Harding withdrawing her support after the original proposal for further investigation was replaced with a more immediate commitment to security measures.
“I’m not yet convinced that a solution should be one funded directly by the Ipswich ratepayers,” Mayor Harding said.
“Many residents who are retail workers, paramedics, teachers, police, even our Federal MPs – the Federal MPs don’t receive an allowance – have chosen to put in security measures in place and I have done so at my own expense, including support from the local police.”
She revealed she had personally sought Queensland Police assistance over security concerns and funded protective measures during her mayoralty, arguing greater scrutiny was needed.
“While I would have supported the original motion, I could not in good conscious support a motion that will deliver a direct financial benefit to the same councillors who voted for it,” she said.
“I can understand why the community is disappointed with this outcome, particularly given they are now the ones who will be left paying for it moving forward.”
It is believed that Ipswich is the first council to vote on security funding.
With others now considering it a yardstick, it is seen as important for Ipswich City Council to get its policy right as progress will be closely monitored by other councils considering similar action.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli also backed stronger protections.
“Today’s society is no longer civil on matters. Social media has reduced people to their basest instinct and now threats are real,” Cr Antoniolli 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.”
Councillor Jim Madden warned against waiting for a tragedy before strengthening protections.
“You don’t wait until somebody dies before you improve safety at a work site,” Cr Madden said.
Councillor Jacob Madsen delivered an equally pointed assessment of the hostility confronting local government representatives.
“We’re not councillors, we’re community punching bags, because that’s certainly the way we’re treated at times,” Cr Madsen said.
In her closing remarks, Cr Augustine said: “I’ll put it to you, Mayor, I do know you were supportive of all of these measures once before, but it just seems now you’ve changed your mind.”
“And for me, it feels like you’re putting money before safety.”
