The issue was returned to last Tuesday's council meeting for another vote after Councillors Kevin Bradford and Michael Farley launched a rescission motion against the planned November 18 trip.

Cr Halsall denied suggestions she would miss the council's final meeting, which is on the same day as the one-day event. She said she would leave the inaugural Australian Council of Local Government function "a little early" and hot-foot it back for the Tuesday evening meeting.

However, neighbouring mayor John Kelly, of Greater Dandenong, said he would not be attending the event.

"It's right at election time, to be honest, and I am flat out with my own work and with the mayor's job," Cr Kelly told The Journal last week.

Cr Kelly was quick to say he was not criticising Cr Halsall, saying it was an individual decision for each mayor.

Cardinia Mayor Bill Ronald said he had yet to decide whether he would attend.

"If the Prime Minister is intent for all mayors and shire presidents to come to Canberra for the meeting, I would give it my earnest consideration," he said.

Council elections are on November 29.