Troy Thompson shares receipts of donating extra pay to Townsville charity

Suspended Mayor Troy Thompson reveals ‘transparent’ move amid pay rise debate.

Troy Thompson mayor Townsville display

Keeping to his promise to donate his new extra pay to charity, Townsville’s suspended mayor has laid bare receipts on his Facebook page, labelling it as “full transparency ”.

On July 1 that Townsville councillors a pay rise was implemented for councillors, including suspended mayor Troy Thompson, after they chose not to vote against an automatic pay rise for all Queensland local government representatives outside of Brisbane.

In the last financial year, Townsville councillors were paid about $130,000, the deputy mayor about $145,000 and the mayor was paid $225,000.

A pay rise of 2.5 per cent will see the Mayor’s pay increase to $230,836, the Deputy Mayor to $156,974 and councillors to $138,501.

On Thursday Mr Thompson posted to his Facebook page with a post titled “Full Transparency”.

He shared that prior to his suspension he received a gross weekly salary of $4850.11, with a net salary of $3221.11

After his suspension this changed to a gross salary of $4300.88, a net weekly salary of $2945.88 and following the recent pay rise, this has climbed back to $4,439.15 a net weekly salary of $3003.15.

Post from Troy Thompson's Facebook page on July 10, 2025.

Mr Thompson shared that his extra gross income of $108.27 per week has been donated to Brighter Lives Charity at the Townsville University Hospital.

“Due to my suspension in November, I was not given the opportunity to oppose this rise. Disappointingly, in the seven months since, the councillors who remained in office did not take any steps to challenge or reject the increase,” he said.

“I will continue to support local charities, community organisations, and non-profits with each pay cycle,” he said.

“As a member of the Townsville community, I will continue to strive to help those most in need and volunteer my time to those who’ve asked me to assist.”

“Due to my suspension in November, I was not given the opportunity to oppose this rise. Disappointingly, in the seven months since, the councillors who remained in office did not take any steps to challenge or reject the increase.”

Last year, a Local Government Remuneration Commission report released recommended members of Queensland councils outside of Brisbane receive a pay rise, which was signed off by Local Government Minister Ann Leahy in December.

Councils across the state then had the chance to vote not to adopt the changes before July 1, which would otherwise be automatically added on.

Townsville City Council did not choose to vote on the matter, with the pay rise automatically adopted.

Evan Morgan. Best pictures for 2024. Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has returned to work as media ordered from meeting. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Thompson confirmed on July 1 he would also be receiving a pay rise as a result of the council’s actions, but claimed he would uphold his pledge, made in January, to donate the extra amount to community groups.

He encouraged Townsville councillors to do the same, saying they should not be receiving pay increases during a “cost-of-living period.”

The Townsville Bulletin contacted every councillor at Townsville City Council for comment following the news of the pay rise.

Cr Paul Jacobs responded saying he would “never vote against a CPI wage increase for any worker”.

“I am a staunch unionist,” he said.

“Being a councillor and putting up with the disruption we have had to endure this term has been challenging.

“But that aside, it maintains parity.”

Cr Price posted to his Facebook page that he would donate his additional pay to a breast cancer charity.

On the ongoing CCC investigation into revelations about inaccuracies in his claimed credentials and military service record Mr Thompson said he continues to refute any allegations made against him.

“I remain fully committed to returning to my role as Mayor and to continuing my service to the people of Townsville once the suspension concludes,” he said.

“I have formally written to both the Premier and the Local Government Minister to seek a constructive path forward — one that meets the needs of both the State Government and the people I represent.”

Originally published as Troy Thompson shares receipts of donating extra pay to Townsville charity