‘Held to ransom’: Premier tasks new Local Government Minister with Troy Thompson situation

Premier David Crisafulli has refused to meet with Mayor Troy Thompson in his first visit to the city after the election, saying the city can no longer be ‘held to ransom’.

The new LNP government, headed by Premier David Crisafulli flanked by deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Treasurer David Janetzki, holds its first cabinet meeting on the 409th floor of 1 William, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Premier David Crisafulli has ruled out meeting with embattled Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson in his first visit to the city since the state election, and said his new local government minister’s “top priority” was investigating how to make Mr Thompson stand aside.

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy has been tasked with the future of the mayor’s “untenable” position after being sworn in last Friday, while a Crime and Corruption investigation into Mr Thompson continues.

“You can’t have one of the most important cities in the state and the nation held to ransom,” Mr Crisafulli said figuratively.

“And the sense of malaise that’s gripping this place, and the sense of despondent nature that people are feeling has to change.

“I would love the decision to be taken out of the hands of a state government, and I would love the mayor to do what I would believe is the right thing, which is to step aside.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli during a media conference before the election alongside Mundingburra MP Janelle Poole, Townsville MP Adam Baillie, and Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr. Picture: Liam Kidston

“But in absence of that I have asked for advice and I hope to receive it very soon, and I’ve said to the local government minister, I want this to be her first priority.

“I wouldn’t mind it to be a second and a third priority as well.”

Mr Crisafulli answered the media’s questions about the mayor’s position after he met with police officers at the Townsville Police Station.

Mayor Troy Thompson speaks at a Townsville City Council meeting about his show-cause notice. Picture: Shae Beplate.

He said that while he preferred to focus on his youth crime amendment to address the city’s concerns which he took to the election, the new Premier accepted the importance of having a functional council.

“I hope you’re getting a theme, the things that I said before the election are the things I’m saying after the election right across the board, including making Queensland safer laws.”

Last week in Brisbane Mr Crisafulli told Brisbane reporters he was seeking Crown Law advice.

“It’s a proud city with great people, and they feel as though their reputation is being tarnished by the actions of the council and the mayor,” he said.

On Tuesday when asked if his statement meant that he was casting blame on the councillors along with the mayor, Mr Crisafulli said, “no, no, no, no, sorry, let me be clear.

“The mayor as the face and the first amongst the equals around the council chamber, that’s what I was referring to.”

It follows after Mr Thompson sent what was described as “a large document” with 23 pages and 35 “documents of evidence” in response to the Labor government’s show-cause notice of why he should not be suspended for 12 months, issued on October 1.

The show-cause notice was one of the last actions of the former cabinet before the government was placed in caretaker mode, but Mr Crisafulli avoided casting blame over the last-minute decision and deflected when suggested Mr Thompson could be a “booby trap” left by the ousted government.

“No, it’s just a dysfunctionality issue,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Mr Thompson responded by saying he had appealed to the new Premier in writing.

“I always enjoy the media interpretations and creative journalism produced,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson compared his situation to his predecessor Jenny Hill, who was acquitted in court for a serious crash in Aitkenvale that led to the death of a motorcyclist in 2020.

Ms Hill maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings and the court cleared Ms Hill of any wrongdoing.

Mr Thompson said he had since discovered further issues he believed should concern the department of local government, but did not specify what they were.

“The show cause is very complex in my response, and I have made representations that demonstrate multiple areas the department of local government should be concerned with,” Mr Thompson said.

Since then, I have identified a further 168 items I have that raise concern, these will come to light in due course.”

Mr Thompson said he would continue in his duties.

“It would be unprecedented for a mayor to step aside based on allegations, without proper judicial process taking place,” Mr Thompson said.

But he told the ABC last week that he hoped the Premier would give him “a real crack” at the job.

“I fully support his decisions moving forward, good or bad for me, I will support the premier,” Mr Thompson told the ABC.

Originally published as ‘Held to ransom’: Premier tasks new Local Government Minister with Troy Thompson situation