By Peter Douglas
GEMBROOK MP Brad Battin has said that online abuse in a political environment is becoming a major problem in the community, with its effects increasingly impacting on his office over the past two years.
Mr Battin’s comments come after a series of incidents during which posters targeted politicians and businesses to further their own agenda.
Last month South Belgrave Home and Hardware and an Upwey hair salon were targeted through a Facebook page that encouraged supporters to boycott their business because they supported CFA volunteers over the ongoing enterprise bargaining dispute.
Yarra Ranges Council election candidate Chelsea McNab was also targeted in two vicious comments on an anti-Greens page saying she should be kicked, sent to the Middle East and decapitated.
Ms McNab’s O’Shannassy Ward rival at the time, Jim Child, described the attack as “absolutely outrageous”, and also said that he had been the victim of comments.
Mr Battin said while mostly he ignored the comments, some could be upsetting.
“Social media has become a bullying mechanism and it’s a worrying trend,” he said.
“People with fake accounts can remain anonymous and it’s a very real problem.”
Unlike many others, Mr Battin and his staff actively engage with his online management.
“You try to not let it get to you, but sometimes it’s difficult to switch off,” he said.
“There are times when I go home and speak to my wife about what’s been written online.
“I encourage our office to speak openly about online comments.”
One of his staff said she had once spent half a day cleaning up comments on the MP’s Facebook page and that it was not unusual for her to sit up at night and monitor posts.
Mr Battin said the negative comments have little real effect on decision-making, suggesting detailed communications and advocacy are much better options.
