Townsville Mayor, Troy Thompson, has vowed to return to the city’s top job, after being suspended on full pay yesterday amid an investigation into claims he misled voters.
In a statement issued just after 6pm on Thursday, Local Government Minister, Ann Leahy confirmed the Mayor’s suspension.
The Minister said Mr Thompson had agreed to the suspension for 12 months on full pay.
“This afternoon, I signed off on the regulation which will remain in place for the full 12 months,” said Minister Leahy.
Since being elected as Mayor, Mr Thompson has been the subject of an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into whether he inflated his military, business and education credentials in the lead-up to this year’s council election.
“The Premier made it clear Mr Thompson’s position was untenable and I want to thank Mr Thompson for recognising this situation.”
Ms Leahy said the result was “a win for the residents of Townsville who deserve stability and a functioning local government”.
“The people of Townsville spoke loud and clear and we have listened and we have acted.
“We promised to deliver the people of Townsville a fresh start and that has been achieved with this action.
“The former Labor Government attempted to turn the people of Townsville into a political plaything and delivered nothing.
“Where Labor failed for nearly 250 days, the Crisafulli Government has delivered this result in two and half weeks.”
During his suspension, Mr Thompson cannot perform any of the duties of a councillor or Mayor.
Minister Leahy said she will meet with Townsville City Council today.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith, thanked the Minister for her transparency regarding the decision.
“The LGAQ maintains its view that the provisions under the Local Government Act that allow for the suspension or dismissal of a mayor, councillor or council ‘in the public interest’ are extraordinary provisions,” said Ms Smith.
“We call on the new State Government to review these provisions, as was initially promised by the former government when these powers were first introduced in 2018.”
Mr Thompson (pictured at the citizenship event) spent yesterday afternoon at a citizenship event, where he welcomed 63 new citizens in his final act as Mayor prior to being suspended.
In a statement released at 7am today, he confirmed his suspension, saying he will continue to be a community contributor, “as I have always done”.
“As disappointed as I am, this has set a precedent for councillors across Queensland, that the state government may suspend a democratically elected member without a proper judicial process taking place,” he said.
“I absolutely refute any and all allegations that have been made to date, and will rightfully defend my position through the legal system. Once the 12 month suspension is completed and I am cleared of all allegations, I look forward to returning to the role of mayor, as democratically elected by the people of Townsville.
“During the 12 months suspension, I have advised the Minister of my commitment to complete studies around local laws, the act, meeting procedures and policies to ensure the people of Townsville get the best outcome for the future.
“As I have stated from the outset, I support Premier Crisafulli and respect his position, I know under the Crisafulli state government, Queenslanders will be in a better position well into the future. I hope the Premier invests heavily in the North Queensland region, and particularly Townsville.
“Thank you to all of the people of Townsville for your kind messages and support, we are fortunate to live in a wonderful region,” said Mr Thompson.
