Assertion from the Minister for Local Government and Water

I rise right this moment to replace the House on severe issues in regards to the suspended Mayor of Townsville, Councillor Troy Thompson.

For practically 250 days, the Townsville group was left in limbo whereas the previous authorities did not act. They did not ship stability and so they did not uphold the requirements anticipated underneath the Local Government Act.

In distinction, inside two and a half weeks of coming into authorities, we acted. We promised the folks of Townsville a contemporary begin — and we delivered it. By suspending the Mayor, we ensured the Council may get on with the job of serving the folks and companies of Townsville.

Mr Speaker, on 26 August 2025 the Crime and Corruption Commission, pursuant to part 60(2) of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001, supplied me with a briefing as a part of their ongoing investigations into Councillor Thompson.

That briefing set out severe allegations.

Since receiving that recommendation I’ve thought-about the issues referring to Councillor Thompson in appreciable element together with my obligations in relation to the Local Government Act 2009.

Accordingly, I’ll right this moment subject Councillor Thompson with a proper present trigger discover. This will present him with 14 days to reply and units out intimately the idea of my issues.

As required underneath part 120 of the Local Government Act 2009, the discover features a detailed clarification of the factual foundation for forming my affordable perception that dismissal could also be applicable.

Following the 14-day interval, and upon receipt of Councillor Thompson’s response, I’ll rigorously think about the issues raised earlier than making any remaining resolution.

Mr Speaker, these are severe issues. The actions I’ve taken mirror this Government’s agency dedication to transparency, pure justice, and the very best requirements of integrity in native authorities.

At each step, my focus has been the folks of Townsville. They deserve a council that’s steady, accountable, and in a position to ship for its group. I’ve sought to make sure the general public curiosity of the Townsville group is all the time on the centre of my resolution making.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Howard, 0400 002 676