Reports say Ipswich City Council took out a second legal assistance insurance policy in the months before former mayor Paul Pisasale resigned from office.

The new policy came in addition to existing cover for councils via an insurance scheme managed by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).

In the months since the secondary policy was taken out, five staffers have accessed it, according to the ABC.

LGAQ spokesman Greg Hallam said he had not heard of the policy.

“I don't believe it's unlawful but it's a surprise to us and we're not aware of any other council that does that,” Mr Hallam said.

Over a dozen council-linked figures including CEOs and mayors have been charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission since June 2017.

The new policy was approved in February 2017 to cover legal representation costs “in respect of legal proceedings that have been threatened or commenced against an employee or councillor in their personal capacity, or which, in exceptional circumstances, may need to be commenced to properly protect the interests of a councillor, employee or the reputation of council”.

The policy can be accessed with approval by the mayor or chief executive officer.