Townsville mayor Troy Thompson: No charges laid amid Crime and Corruption Commission probe

Investigators from the Crime and Corruption Commission have reportedly arrived in Townsville amid an investigation into Mayor Troy Thompson.

Mayor Troy Thompson is being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission. No findings have been made. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Investigators from the Crime and Corruption Commission have reportedly arrived in Townsville, confirming no charges have yet been laid amid their ongoing investigation into the city’s mayor Troy Thompson.

Mr Thompson in currently the subject of a CCC probe over a number of matters, including misleading the public over his military, university and business qualifications.

It is understood the CCC is also investigating a lengthy email sent by Mr Thompson to his 10 councillors, demanding they agree to a list of demands and threatening to ask Minister Meaghan Scanlon to dissolve the entire council if they did not comply.

On October 1, Ms Scanlon issued the mayor a show-cause notice as to why he should remain in the job or face suspension for 12 months.

Mr Thompson responded to Ms Scanlon’s show-cause notice on Monday with a 23-page defence, 35 documents of evidence and a nine-page timeline.

“This submission is a very small part of what may be tendered to court at a future date,” Mr Thompson said in a statement.

Premier Steven Miles told reporters on Wednesday that it was “probably unlikely” the mayor would be suspended this week ahead of Saturday’s election.

“The Local Government Minister has referred that 23-page response to the show-cause to her department, and we will await advice back from them about what the most appropriate next steps are,” Mr Miles said.

“I can’t comment on the activity of the Crime and Corruption Commissioner, nor would it be appropriate.

“As I’ve said all along, when Townsville suffers, Queensland suffers. Ultimately I want to see an outcome that is better for the people of Townsville.”

But it is understood Mr Thompson may be preparing for some disciplinary action, with the mayor’s office reportedly cleared of personal items over the weekend.

Townsville mayor Troy Thompson in his office. Photo: Facebook

And despite making multiple posts on his ‘Mayor Troy Thompson’ Facebook page every day since October 8 – often up to four posts a day – his page has been silent for the past 48 hours.

The mayor has reportedly not been sighted in Walker Street since Monday and did not attend the Local Government Association of Queensland conference in Brisbane this week alongside other Queensland mayors.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman referred questions surrounding Mr Thompson facing potential charges to the CCC Queensland.

Initially, a CCC spokesperson declined to comment.

“The CCC recognises the important role the media plays in promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions. The CCC also recognises the need to balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect the integrity of investigations and the privacy of individuals involved.

“On this basis, the CCC does not confirm or comment on any complaint or investigation, referrals to other agencies or matters before the court.”

But hours later, they sent an updated statement which read:

“Further to our previous statement, as we believe it to be in the public interest to correct potential misinformation, we can advise that no person has been charged in connection with any investigation undertaken by the CCC in relation to matters involving the Townsville City Council.”

Mr Thompson confirmed to the Bulletin on Wednesday afternoon he had not been charged by the CCC.

Originally published as Townsville mayor Troy Thompson: No charges laid amid Crime and Corruption Commission probe