Embattled mayor’s future in question

Deciding the fate of controversial Townsville’s mayor Troy Thompson could possibly be the final act performed by Queensland Premier Steven Miles in the last cabinet meeting before the state election.

Mr Thompson has been under scrutiny for months after questions were raised about claims he’d made during the election about his past achievements, including his military record and education.

Townsville City councillors moved a motion of no confidence against him in June, less than two months after the local government elections.

While the no-confidence motion was carried, Mr Thompson has continued to ignore calls for him to step down as leader.

Mr Miles said would be raising his concerns about the mayor with the cabinet on Monday, one day before the Queensland parliament goes into caretaker mode ahead of the October 26 state election.

“We’re still receiving legal advice on what processes might be available to us when it comes to Mr Thompson,” Mr Miles said.

“I’ve been absolutely consistent that I thought the best thing in Townsville’s interests would be for him to stand aside.

“He’s consistently refused to do so.”

Mr Thompson is currently the subject of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation after he misled voters and also allegedly accepted campaign donations linked to property developers.

Mr Miles said many constituents have raised concerns about the ongoing tenure of Mr Thompson.

“But last week, we received advice via the ACCC that the process of that investigation could take many, many more months,” Mr Miles said.

“And then I received advice that the situation at council appeared to be getting worse, not better.

“Those two pieces of information led me to the view that if we can act now, we should, and so that’s the legal advice that we’ve been seeking.”

On Sunday, Mr Thompson responded to the news of the Premier’s plan and refuted all allegations made against him.

“Let me be unequivocal: there is no justifiable cause for such an action,” Mr Thompson wrote on social media.

“This would not only be an attack on a political rival but also an affront to the democratic rights of the residents of Townsville.

The Premier claims that the council is dysfunctional. However, at our last Ordinary Meeting, the 11 councillors, including myself, successfully passed 15 individual decisions without any dysfunction.”

Mr Thompson said he was considering legal action pending Mr Miles’ decision.

“My commitment to serving our community remains steadfast, and I will not allow political motivations to undermine the democratic process,” he wrote.

“Should the Premier proceed with this unjust action, I am prepared to immediately seek a Supreme Court injunction to protect the integrity of our Local Government and ensure that your voices continue to be heard.

“I understand that our city is divided in its support. That is the essence of democracy.

“During challenging times, those who did not support me may be the most vocal.

“However, this does not mean that the voices of those who did support me should be silenced.

“Thank you for your continued support. Together, we will stand strong for Townsville”.

During the election campaign, Mr Thompson claimed to have been in the army for five years, including a stint with the elite SAS forces.

His record was later debunked, with his service record revealing he did less than six months of entry-level training with the army reserves.

Mr Thompson also previously confirmed he’d never completed his business degree.