“If there were accounts or reports why weren’t they attached? Show us where the errors are.”

Cr Chetwynd’s second issue was with the transfer of $5 million worth of assets contained within the three collections to a private company.

“There was no proper documentary evidence in relation to this transfer or the proper authority to transfer,” he said.

Cr Chetwynd said he would not compromise his duty by sitting in a meeting to debate or discuss matters that could well have been illegal.

At the extraordinary meeting called to discuss recommendations relating to the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), councillors Brian Chetwynd and Bev Roobol walked out after raising concerns over a perceived lack of information in the general manager’s report.

Mayor Peter Ducat said while three councillors were involved in the walkout – the third being Margaret Walford – he was particularly disappointed in the actions of Crs Chetwynd and Roobol which he viewed as “frustrating the legitimate process of council”.

“All the councillors were informed of Wednesday night’s meeting last week and had the business papers for the meeting for two full business days, during which time they could have asked questions of the general manager in order to clarify any concerns they may have had,” he said.

“To leave the meeting without giving the general manager the opportunity to respond to questions and issues raised is a total lack of respect for the general manager and for the legitimate deliberations of council.”

However, Cr Chetwynd told The Leader he left after the mayor yelled at him “like a three-year-old child”.

“I spoke very normally. I explained my concerns and he started to yell at me,” he said.

“I told him three times I was leaving and he kept yelling so I left.”

Cr Chetwynd said he was concerned the item recommending council authorise the adjustment of assets to reflect incorrect accounting of the past as well as the recommendation to transfer the Coventry and NERAM art collections to the newly formed NERAM Limited could have been illegal if resolved by council.

“There was no paperwork and no associated documentation that said the Department of Lands – the trustee of the land and building – agreed to all this,” he said.

“If the department hasn’t agreed, it would render any resolution illegal.

“If there were accounts or reports why weren’t they attached? Show us where the errors are.”

Cr Chetwynd’s second issue was with the transfer of $5 million worth of assets contained within the three collections to a private company.

“There was no proper documentary evidence in relation to this transfer or the proper authority to transfer,” he said.

Cr Chetwynd said he would not compromise his duty by sitting in a meeting to debate or discuss matters that could well have been illegal.