The matter was referred for investigation by the Office of Local Government (OLG) and any other relevant authorities to determine whether there had been a breach or any demonstration of corruption.

Councillor Duncan Gair moved a motion to request an investigation into the release of confidential information regarding the General Manager Ann Prendergast's performance review.

This was seconded by Councillor Holly Campbell.

To streamline discussion on the "contentious" issue, Mayor Larry Whipper restricted debate to four speakers, two in favour of the motion and two against.

Cr Gair said he sought council support to refer the matter to the OLG as a matter of urgency.

"What has happened has been one of the worst breaches of a councillor, or a third party, or whoever, to release a general manager's annual review to a [media] publication," he said.

"I believe with an election coming up in six weeks time that the community is going to have to vote for people that they believe have the integrity, trust, responsibility and commitment to do a good job on their behalf."

Councillor Ian Scandrett moved a Point of Order during Cr Gair's debate and said the debate had become "defamatory".

Mayor Whipper upheld the Point of Order and told Cr Gair he was not the judge or the jury on the matter, and requested debate be confined to the known facts of the matter.

Councillor Juliet Arkwright suggested a change to the motion, that the OLG and other appropriate agencies be asked to investigate "whether or not there has been a systemic pattern of leaking of confidential matters and papers from Wingecarribee Shire Council," of which the breach was the latest incident.

"I still regard myself as a professional journalist, I'm still a card-carrying member - I do not leak and I do not reveal sources, I have never leaked a confidential [document] or matter ever," she said.

"But this council has leaked like a sieve over the last four years and some of the matters have been extremely important."

Cr Gair withdrew his initial motion in favour of Cr Arkwright's changes, which became the motion that councillors voted unanimously to support.

Cr Whipper said everyone had the right to justice, and that was what the process was about.

"We're seeking a full investigation, let justice be served," he said.