Campaspe Shire Council's Zero Tolerance Policy has been endorsed at the Council meeting on 17 June.
The purpose of the policy is to promote a safe, respectful and productive environment for all Council employees, contractors, volunteers and Councillors. It outlines Council's stance on unreasonable and unacceptable behaviours and actions, and the promotion of a 'zero tolerance' culture.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said the policy has been developed as part of Council's commitment and obligation to the safety of its people.
"Our Zero Tolerance Policy is applicable to everyone - visitors, clients, customers and members of the community - who engage with Council's employees, contractors, volunteers and Councillors, and their family members," he said.
"The promotion of the Zero Tolerance Policy and Statement will clearly communicate to everyone who interacts with Council and its people to make them aware of the acceptable standards of behaviour, conduct and actions. By adhering to this policy, Council aims to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all involved."
Council encourages employees, contractors, volunteers, and Councillors to report any incidents of unreasonable and unacceptable behaviour that may be directed towards them and/or their family members, and is committed to take any action appropriate to the circumstances that may be required to protect them from harm.
The Zero Tolerance Policy sets out the steps that will be taken by Council when responding to incidents of unreasonable or unacceptable behaviour - including reporting threats, violence or other zero tolerance behaviours to the police. Any instances of written abuse will be handled with the same level of severity. All abusive correspondence received by our organisation will be retained for reference should the matter persist and need to be referred to the police.
Council's Zero Tolerance Statement
Council is committed to creating a safe, productive, and healthy environment for all employees, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and Councillors. Council will not tolerate any form of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, or psychological abuse, violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, derogatory remarks, or offensive emails. Council acknowledges and extends its zero-tolerance stance to the families of our employees, volunteers, contractors and Councillors, ensuring their protection from any form of abuse or harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, approaching family members of Council employees, contractors, volunteers or Councillors with the intent to intimidate, harass, cause distress, or attempt to influence Council matters.
Council's Zero Tolerance Statement can be found on Council's website and is also displayed at Council service centres and other services and facilities operated by Campaspe Shire Council.
