‘Lift the Tone’‘Lift the Tone’ Campaign promotes respect in public debate’Lift the Tone’

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), with the support of mental health experts, has launched a new campaign urging Tasmanians to ‘Lift the Tone’ of public discourse.

The initiative responds to alarming findings that nearly 80% of elected representatives in Tasmania have experienced abuse or intimidation from community members in the past two years.

LGAT Vice President Mayor Paula Wriedt highlighted the profound impacts of such behaviour, with social media (47.3%) and public spaces (36.8%) identified as the most common settings for abuse.

“This behaviour seriously affects mental and physical health—not only for elected representatives but also for their families,” Ms Wriedt said.

Reports of abuse include death threats, public harassment, and acts of intimidation like nails thrown in driveways and intoxicated trespassers.

Well Minds Work Clinical Psychologist Dr Emma Richardson said the impact of abuse could be detrimental to a person’s physical and mental health.

“Bullying increases the risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, low self-worth and illnesses such as cardiovascular disease,” Ms Richardson said.

“It can lead to significant social isolation and feelings of being unsafe, negatively impacting those who witness it and increasing the risk of anxiety and depression in the family and friends of those who are bullied.”

Minister for Local Government Kerry Vincent stressed the need for respectful interactions.

“Elected representatives play an important role in shaping our local communities and everyone has the right to work without hostility,” Minister Vincent said.

“Respect is a two-way street, and my expectation is the community and their elected officials treat each other with professionalism and kindness.”

The campaign calls on Tasmanians to foster civility, tackle online abuse, and uphold the principles of constructive public dialogue.

“We can disagree without disrespect, and I want to remove any deterrent for good people to stand for election,” Minister Vincent said.

The Lift the Tone campaign can be seen across social media, digital platforms, and council communications.

Tasmanians are encouraged to sign the online pledge to commit to respectful communication, which will help create a more respectful and united community.

Take the pledge and join the ‘Lift the Tone’ movement today at https://www.lgat.tas.gov.au/lift-the-tone