Disinformation and Harassment Threaten Local Democracy, MAV Roundtable Addresses Growing Crisis
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) convened an urgent, high-level roundtable on September 10th to confront the escalating threats of disinformation, online harassment, and intimidation targeting local government leaders and elected representatives. This insidious trend, disproportionately affecting women and underrepresented groups, poses a significant challenge to the very foundation of representative democracy. The roundtable brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Australian and European mayors, CEOs, government officials, academics, and other experts, to discuss the pervasive issues of trolling, doxxing, deepfakes, and the malicious exploitation of governance processes, all of which undermine local leadership and democratic participation. The insights gained will inform the MAV’s development of new initiatives to empower councils in combating disinformation and harassment.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Ika Trijsburg, MAV Head of Democracy and Diplomacy, who emphasized the critical role local leaders play as the frontline of democracy. Trijsburg stressed that the increasing disinformation and harassment campaigns are strategically designed to silence voices, discredit individuals, and erode public trust in government. Citing the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, Trijsburg revealed alarming statistics: 40% of respondents believe hostile activism is a justified means of driving change, while 27% admitted to online attacks and 25% confessed to intentionally spreading disinformation. These trends, coupled with a polarized information environment and declining institutional trust, place immense pressure on local governments to develop effective responses that protect their leaders without stifling legitimate democratic discourse.
MAV President Jennifer Anderson affirmed the roundtable’s significance in shaping the association’s ongoing efforts. She emphasized the MAV’s commitment to ensuring the safety and support of local leaders, enabling them to effectively engage with communities in robust democratic processes without fear of manipulation or intimidation. Anderson underscored the fundamental importance of this work in safeguarding the future of active local democracy.
The roundtable discussions delved into the multifaceted nature of the challenges facing local governments. Participants explored the evolving tactics employed in disinformation campaigns, the psychological and emotional toll on targeted individuals, and the broader societal implications of eroding trust in democratic institutions. The diverse perspectives shared by the attendees provided valuable insights into potential strategies for mitigating these threats, including media literacy initiatives, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and the development of robust reporting mechanisms for online harassment. The MAV recognizes the need for a multi-pronged approach that involves collaboration across sectors, including government, social media platforms, and civil society organizations.
The MAV’s proactive engagement in addressing disinformation and harassment reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening local democracy. By providing resources and support to councils and elected officials, the MAV aims to foster a more resilient and inclusive democratic landscape. The initiatives stemming from the roundtable discussions will be instrumental in equipping local governments with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complex challenges of the digital age. This work is crucial not only for protecting individual leaders but also for preserving the integrity of democratic processes and ensuring the continued engagement of citizens in local governance.
The ongoing efforts of the MAV and its partners will be vital in countering the corrosive effects of disinformation and harassment. By fostering a more informed and resilient citizenry, promoting ethical online behavior, and strengthening democratic institutions, we can collectively safeguard the principles of open dialogue, accountability, and trust that underpin a thriving democracy. The MAV’s leadership in this critical arena sets a precedent for other organizations and governments to follow, demonstrating the importance of collaborative action in preserving the foundations of democratic governance.