Hepburn Springs blacksmith John Madigan said the timber coffin represented the continual "burying" of the issue of workplace bullying allegations aimed at Cr Bill McClenaghan by former shire CEO Victor Szwed.

In December last year independent council-appointed investigator Mary-Ann West found that Cr McClenaghan "may have breached council's code of conduct".

But earlier this month documents from WorkSafe and the Office of Local Government, dated February 2008, revealed neither organisation believed the councillor had breached any of their regulations.

At last night's meeting Mayor Tim Hayes was continually asked during public question time why the documents had not been made public earlier.

Cr Hayes said all councillors had signed a confidential agreement stopping them from commenting on any aspect of Mr Szwed's departure from council.

Mr Madigan said he was tired of hearing "no comment" from the council.