By Sandy Bolton Noosa MP
Earlier this month we celebrated the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. However, I feel it appropriate we start to tackle an aspect of bullying that for too long has not been spoken about, adult bullying.
In my Maiden Speech last month in Parliament I spoke of the need for bickering and poor behaviour in the political realm to stop. As politicians, we need to lead. How can we expect our school children to stop bullying behaviour, when the lead-by-example is not evident?
I also followed this up with a Question on Notice to the Premier last week, asking Ms Palaszczuk, to advise of the learnings and initiatives that are available to improve productivity and behaviour in the Chamber.
In the last month alone I have seen multiple examples on Facebook and elsewhere with targeting of individuals and organisations in the name of ‘advocating’ and/or ‘public information’. Regardless of the label, when you name names, it’s bullying. It impacts our people and our community through creating divisions, the loss of collaboration and solution building. One of our greatest assets in Noosa are those that selflessly give of their time – our volunteers.
Working towards a resolution through credible lobbying and negotiations, as well offering solutions, is always the favourable course of action. It’s pleasing to see Local Government supporting initiatives regarding cyber bullying, and the realm of appropriate discourse on and off line with the hashtag #pledgenot2sledge.
The Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce held its first meeting last week and submissions are now open at www.qld.gov.au/cyberbullyingtaskforce and close June 1, 2018.Between Local and State leaders taking a stand together, with the help of communities, we can make an enormous difference to this scourge.
Recently I was asked why as an MP I do not takes ‘sides’ on issues. This is very simple. I was elected to represent the Noosa community in state issues in Parliament. Making comment on local and Federal government issues, saying what I do or do not support, or taking a personal stance forward as a community stance is inappropriate, divisive and not conducive to good outcomes.
We live in a community with many diverse perspective and perceptions. These should be embraced, as that is both interesting and ensures that we move forward in a creative and innovative space to source solutions. Good informed discussion is productive and fruitful. Communication, collaboration and respect for diversity of thought is our way forward and will demonstrate that Noosa is a leader in the most important of ways – maintaining the culture needed for us to achieve in our collective and individual endeavours, and set a wonderful example to next generation. #togetherwecan
