The city councillor said it robbed the discussion of vital information and made a mockery of council representation on such boards.

As the council nominated director of the Upper Murray Regional Library Cr Speedie was barred from the discussion and vote that will see the council employ library staff from July.

She said the laws were bordering on farcical.

“I’m the council representative and wouldn’t be there for any other reason other than I have been chosen to be on that board on behalf of the ratepayers,” she said.

“It just seems crazy when the knowledge sits with me that I have to leave the room.

“I can give a report to fellow councillors about the most recent board meeting and have a deeper understanding of the issues but when it comes to any further discussion I have to go.”

Cr Speedie said the review of the laws, introduced at the start of the Victorian council terms in late 2008, must be addressed.

“This is one of the many issues that needs to be clarified,” she said.

“I really think that legislation wasn’t thought through and now we have people having to declare conflicts where really none exist.

“It is incredibly frustrating and last night was just another of those occasions.

“In the end it is the community that misses out because I’m not there to contribute.”

But she believes her council colleagues made the right decision.