We must confront a damaging reality that directly threatens local participation

With upcoming local council elections on the horizon, it is inspiring to see candidates stepping up to contest seats, particularly the strong representation of women putting their hats in the ring to represent their towns, cities, and communities.

However, we must confront a damaging reality that directly threatens local participation: the sharp rise of targeted online abuse, gendered harassment, and misogyny. As highlighted in federal inquiries into online safety and misinformation, the digital landscape is increasingly weaponised by paid far-right trolls, fake accounts, and automated bots. This is not simply robust political debate; it is systematic intimidation designed to demean, target, and silence women in public life.

Let us be completely clear about what is happening here: this is not harmless online chatter or standard political friction. This is deliberate, gendered abuse.