Wattle Range Council met behind closed doors for 90 minutes on Friday at its Millicent chambers to discuss a confidential written staff report on the recent successful hack on its database by ransom-demanding cyber criminals.
The lengthy report classifies the situation as “high risk” and was written by acting chief executive Paul Duka.
The successful motion to exclude the public was moved by Councillor David Walshaw and seconded by Cr Deb Agnew.
As a result, The SE Voice representative was obliged to leave.
The grounds for discussing the matter on a confidential basis are contained in Section 90 of the Local Government Act.
It allows for confidential discussions when they may involve the unreasonable disclosure of information concerning matters affecting the security of the council, members or employees of council, or council property, or the safety of any person.
Council chief executive Ben Gower along with five councillors submitted apologies for non-attendance at the special meeting which began with the usual formalities at 4pm.
It was able to proceed with a bare quorum of six councillors.
Mayor Des Noll chaired the meeting and four senior staff were also present.
Talking to this newspaper after the meeting, Mayor Noll said the outcome of the meeting remained confidential.
