In the questions without notice section of the meeting, ERA councillor Milton Leslight raised his concerns about the extraordinary meeting of council on July 1.

The extraordinary meeting was called to consider council’s bio-certification policy, however the four ERA councillors did not attend and a meeting quorum was not reached.

In question time on Tuesday night Cr Leslight spoke of his concern with comments made by Cr Rob Pollock at the extraordinary meeting, however he was interrupted by mayor Lindsay Brown, who said it was a code of conduct issue, and not a question. 

“You are having issues with another councillor and the method for that is through a code of conduct process, this is not the place for that,” Cr Brown said.

Cr Leslight continued, but was interrupted by Cr Fergus Thomson, who moved that the speaker no longer be heard, sending several councillors into a rage.

Cr Leslight alleged Cr Brown allowed Cr Pollock to “defame community members” and ERA councillors.

You want to stump me for responding to his cowardly attack,” Cr Leslight said.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, the lot of you.”

Cr Brown muted all microphones, adjourned the meeting and left the room.

Despite this, the councillors continued to shout at each other across the room while the gallery and staff watched on in shock. 

Before long, two members of the public gallery joined in, voicing comments toward Cr Gabi Harding. 

Cr Innes told Cr Pollock the comments were disgraceful and demanded an apology.

“How dare you, we weren’t even here to defend ourselves,” she said.

“You wouldn’t be decent enough to admit that you were ever wrong, would you, Mr Pollock.”

Cr Innes also accused Cr Harding of lying. 

After a few minutes, the arguments cooled and all councillors left the chamber.