In a robust debate at the Lismore City Council meeting last night, Councillor Nancy Casson's 'rat in the house' will be condemned but not identified after Councillor Neil Mark's motion was voted down.

What was voted on, and carried is that Council 'condemns the leaking of confidential information into the public domain and recognises the harm and damage these leaks have on Lismore City Councils reputation with our community and our stakeholders'.

While being condemned, the person or persons that have been leaking confidential information will not be identified, and not held accountable. The motion included both council staff or the councillors themselves.

Councillor Ekins, said she would like to see the person "named and shamed" and added "we know who it is".

Councillors against the motion, identified the investigation as a waste of time and money and a distraction from council getting on with doing their job.

Councillors voting for the motion expressed a concern over not receiving "frank and fearless advice to make informed decisions", with Cnr Cook saying she "didn't want to go another 18 months not knowing who I can trust and who I can't".

To understand Cnr Marks motion we need to understand what the code says;

Use and security of confidential information

8.10 You must maintain the integrity and security of confidential information in your possession, or for which you are responsible.

8.11 In addition to your general obligations relating to the use of Council information, you must:

a) only access confidential information that you have been authorised to access and only do so for the purposes of exercising your official functions

b) protect confidential information

c) only release confidential information if you have authority to do so

d) only use confidential information for the purpose for which it is intended to be used

e) not use confidential information gained through your official position for the purpose of securing a private benefit for yourself or for any other person

f) not use confidential information with the intention to cause harm or detriment to the Council or any other person or body

g) not disclose any confidential information discussed during a confidential session of a Council or Committee meeting or any other confidential forum (such as, but not limited to, workshops or briefing sessions).

8:11c appears the most relevant line "only release confidential information if you have authority to do so"

It was mentioned by councillor Marks that after one leak there was a code of conduct training session provided for all councillors but the person who leaked the information didn't show up.

The question must be raised if the identity of the person is known then why is that person not held accountable?

When the next leak happens and let's face it, the chances are strong, council will condemn this person but not identify them and hold them accountable.

So......the 'rat in the house' remains.

Read more: Neil Marks wants to find the "rat in the house"