The embattled mayor of Townsville, Troy Thompson, is vowing to fight the Queensland government’s bid to remove him from office as controversy swirls around his disputed military service record. The defiant stance comes as the state’s corruption watchdog investigates claims Thompson misled voters about his army background while campaigning in Australia’s largest garrison city.
Mayor Challenges Suspension Notice
In a combative response, Mayor Thompson said he submitted a 23-page defense, backed by “35 documents of evidence,” to counter the government’s show cause notice detailing its plan for a 12-month mayoral suspension. The submission is just “a very small part” of what may be presented in court, Thompson warned.
The items the minister has identified in the show cause document, I refute and will be defended as required.
— Troy Thompson, Townsville Mayor
The state issued the notice as one of its last acts before entering caretaker mode for the upcoming October 22 election. Thompson blasted the move as setting a “dangerous precedence” and threatened to seek a High Court injunction if suspended without “proper judicial process.”
CCC Probes Military Claims
At the heart of the matter are allegations Thompson exaggerated his army service while running for mayor in 2024. The city of Townsville hosts over 15,000 Australian Defence personnel, magnifying the impact of the claims.
Sources indicate Thompson initially stated he served five years in the military. But the mayor later conceded on television that he had misled constituents, blaming the inaccuracies on “100-plus concussions” suffered over his lifetime.
Those revelations sparked a unanimous vote of no confidence from the Townsville City Council and prompted a referral to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC). Despite intensifying pressure, Thompson has resisted calls to resign as the investigation unfolds.
Election Timing Questioned
Mayor Thompson argued the government’s actions could be seen as “politically motivated” given the timing right before a state election. He vowed not to step down voluntarily.
As the democratically elected mayor of Townsville, I will not be stepping down, and I have not been asked to do so.
— Troy Thompson, Townsville Mayor
While saying he would respect a ministerial suspension decision “at this time,” Thompson left the door open to mounting a legal challenge and pursuing an injunction from the nation’s highest court to retain his position.
Queensland Premier Weighs Options
For his part, Queensland Premier Steven Miles called Thompson’s continued mayoralty “bad for Townsville” and, by extension, “bad for Queensland.” The premier indicated the government could either negotiate a bipartisan deal with the opposition to oust the mayor during the caretaker period or take action after the election.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are on the simultaneous state election and mayoral standoff in Townsville. The outcome of each could hinge on the still-developing findings of the CCC’s probe and the government’s ultimate response. For now, Mayor Thompson appears determined to fight for his political survival, even as calls for his ouster reach a fever pitch across Queensland.
