An independent report has savaged the workplace culture at a large Tasmnaian council. 

A review by Edge Legal says the Clarence City Council has an “unsatisfactory culture” in which staff members experience “disrespectful and inappropriate” behaviour from elected members.

There is also a “high degree of interpersonal conflict” between the council’s elected members, and they communicate in a way that is often “destructive and unprofessional”, according to reports. 

The review says efforts must be made to improve the culture of the council to avoid a “real risk” of health and safety being compromised by the workplace bullying.

“The low trust levels and lack of respect, unless repaired to some degree, will lead to a continuation of the above cycle and continue to create issues for senior staff,” the report found.

“There is therefore a real risk of bullying and breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act and Clarence City Council code of conduct breaches without some form of response action,” it said. 

The report also highlighted a “high degree of interpersonal conflict” between elected members, including a “well-known, entrenched dislike and disregard for each other” in some cases.

The legal experts say new legislation is needed to truly fix the problems. 

“Without legislative reform, its potential success is limited to the extent to which the aldermen are prepared to demonstrate at least a modicum of goodwill towards one another and recalibrate their sense of balancing good governance with representing the perceived interests of the community,” the report noted. 

Tasmania’s Local Government Minister Michael Ferguson says councils are responsible for providing a safe working environment.

“Vigorous and informed debate can be distinguished from inappropriate or personal attacks,” he said in a statement.

“The government expects councils to reflect different views that exist in their community but for all sides to do so professionally.”

The state has plans to change the Local Government Act, following a review of its code of conduct.

Mayor Doug Chipman called for the review last year, and says the subsequent report should be used as a basis for improvement.

“What this report does is clarify the responsibilities of aldermen in the workplace and I see it as a positive step forward in ensuring we have a safe and inclusive work environment, not just for elected members, but for all staff and community members,” he said.

“The review has identified some areas where we can improve workplace culture and the council now has the opportunity to address the recommendations in the report.

“There is an opportunity for Clarence to lead modest reform in this area, which, I hope, will be a long-term outcome.”