Council reiterates zero tolerance for abuse of its staff
Scenic Rim Regional Council has reiterated its policy of zero tolerance for abuse of its staff following a recent incident at one of its branch libraries in which police were called to deal with unacceptable behaviour towards staff by a member of the community.
Council is committed to providing staff with a safe work environment, free from bullying and harassment, and to ensuring the safety of members of the community.
Just as Council staff should be able to serve the community in an environment free of abuse and harassment by the public, library users should expect to be able to access Council facilities without fear for their safety or being subject to distressing incidents.
Council will not tolerate racial, prejudicial, or abusive comments towards any member of its staff whether through:
- face-to-face or similar personal interactions involving frontline personnel
- telephone interactions
- written correspondence including letters, emails and digital interactions or
- on Council's social media platforms, such as commenting on posts and direct messaging.
Reports of such breaches will be taken seriously and managed in accordance with the law.
Council's priority is the safety of its staff and members of the community and will not hesitate to involve Queensland Police when necessary.
The Australian Library and Information Association's position regarding respect for public library staff can be viewed at https://www.alia.org.au/Web/News/Articles/2023/5-May-2023/Statement_Respect_for_Library_Staff.aspx