TWO candidates standing in the Hobsons Bay City Council elections have committed to introducing an initiative to combat cyber-bullying.
Present councillor Luba Grigorovitch and former mayor Carl Marsich said if elected, they would launch an initiative to combat cyber bullying in schools and the community.
The pair will contest the 27 October elections as Labor-endorsed candidates in the Wetlands Ward.
Mr Marsich said inspiration for the cyber bullying initiative came about after he spoke to Ali Halkic who established the Bully Free Australia Foundation.
Mr Halkic and his wife recently asked Hobsons Bay City Council to install a memorial space at Merton and Queen streets in Altona Meadows for residents who have lost loved ones to bullying.
The Halkic’s 17-year-old son jumped off the West Gate Bridge in February 2009 after being bullied via the internet and mobile phone.
Mr Marsich and Cr Grigorovitch said they hoped to work with schools across Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook in developing the cyber bullying prevention program.
“We need to develop strategies to prevent the tragic outcome of cyber bullying within our community,” Cr Grigorovitch said.
Mr Marsich said his experience as a union OH&S officer had involved “significant work on dealing with the prevention of workplace bullying”.
The State Government introduced anti-bullying legislation, known as Brodie’s Law, in 2011.
The laws made serious bullying, including stalking, punishable by up to 10 years jail. Contact: Lifeline 13 11 14.
