Sunshine Coast heightens security as abuse rises
A plea for kindness has been issued by a Queensland council as it heightens security amid growing threats and violent behaviour towards its workers.
Security guards, body cameras and de-escalation training are being employed by Sunshine Coast council as responsive tactics employed by the council, along with a plea for kindness.
The council said organisations and businesses across the country had noticed a growing trend in abuse as National Safe Work Month raises awareness on work health and safety during October.
Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker encouraged kindness and respect for staff.
“The people who serve our community deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear or harm,’’ Baker said.
The council has reported a total of 73 incidents for the year so far, and similar numbers last year. In 2023, 66 incidents were recorded.
Its figures showed verbal abuse had risen from 12 instances in 2023, to 20 during this year. Though no physical assaults were reported in 2023, this year the council already had recorded five incidents.
Baker said council teams were struggling to safely conduct their work that directly benefited the community.
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“It is happening across the organisation, from customer service to parks and gardens, libraries, roads, waste, community facilities, contractors and even volunteers,’’ Baker said.
As a result, Sunshine Coast Council had announced it was rolling out extra safety precautions including CCTV and security guards at some locations.
Council was also increasing support services including counselling, debriefing and “de-escalation” training while encouraging prompt incident reporting, it said.
“Council staff are here to serve our community, but more are being subjected to threatening behaviour from some members of the public while going about their jobs,” Baker said.
