Which makes the ongoing saga of secrecy behind the code of conduct complaints within Orange City Council a bitter pill for ratepayers to swallow.

In a story published on Monday Councillor Glenn Taylor called on his yet-to-be-named council colleague to publicly admit to making 24 code of conduct complaints, all of which were later found to be false.

The investigations to dismiss the individual cases cost council $24,000. And by council, we mean ratepayers.

Cr Taylor’s challenge to the complainant to “man up” (phrasing which will become redundant should one of the many female candidates in the upcoming election have their way) echoes the sentiments expressed by many of our readers in letters and comments.

From a legal standpoint the complainant is not required to reveal himself, which is troubling in itself. The fact the legislative system offers the protections of anonymity in this situation is cause for head-scratching consideration.

But if accountability is truly one of the pillars of good governance, this person would be well served to stand up, clear his throat, and explain himself.

The Central Western Daily is not suggesting that there should be no recourse for complaint, in council chambers or anywhere else. If someone is being treated unfairly or abused, of course there should be legal avenues for them to seek and find justice.

But ‘code of conduct’ has become a dirty phrase in Orange’s political circles because there is a perception the charges have been leveled without just cause.

This is a cancer in an electorate which, in some quarters at least, believes its council is rife with petty infighting, squabbling and backstabbing.

The opportunity to dismiss this belief is one of the main reasons this person should out themselves.

By remaining anonymous this man is casting a shadow of doubt over all of his Byng Street colleagues, all of whom have publicly denied being the complainant.

But in identifying himself, the complainant would clear 11 others of charges they have cost the city’s ratepayers with unsubstantiated claims.

That can only be good for council, and good governance into the bargain.