Councillor Ian Ross brought forth the notice of motion to make the City to River Internal Audit public by removing the confidential status.

In this motion, Cr Ross stated he believed the document is public under the Local Government Act 2020 and not confidential.

"Under the Act and Council's policy of openness and transparency, I believe this document should be released to the community. It is important that the light of day needs to shine on this, so that if there is nothing wrong, the community suspicions can be allayed. And likewise, if there are any significant issues they can be addressed by council," the statement read.

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Cr Ross expressed concern that the council took the matter to VCAT not to have the document public is "a waste of resources, time, legal fees and ratepayers money."

During the debate, Cr Ross said the council needed to be open and transparent, a vital policy of the council and was "disappointed" it was not being upheld.

"I believe by this remaining confidential and released to the public in openness and transparency it will linger on and causing issues in relation to people's concern about (the document)," he said.

After being told the budget and resources were tight, Cr Ross said he couldn't understand why the council was taking this matter to VCAT to keep the confidential seal.

"This money would be much better spent on the community," he said.

"Why not build public confidence, and release the report?"

Cr Bell said she couldn't see why they couldn't release the document and move forward.

"When things are hidden, I believe people believe there is a problem."

Councillor David Bowe was the only councillor who spoke against the motion. He said his had concerns over struggles council had over briefings and breaking down notices of motions.

"To me this is a good learning experience," Cr Bowe said.

"I can't support at this stage because we haven't been able to discuss it.

"I've had a look at it but I don't full understand the full implications of audit reports because it's the first I've seen something like this, which is why I can't support this notice of motion. I would have liked more discussion about the implications."

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