Premier David Crisafulli doubles down on removing Troy Thompson as mayor saying he shouldn’t lead Townsville

Twelve months on from Troy Thompson’s lack of military service medals raising eyebrows in the Townsville community, Premier David Crisafulli has said the disgraced mayor “can’t be” part of the city’s leadership.

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson delivering his address at the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Park, The Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan

Twelve months on from Troy Thompson’s lack of military service medals raising eyebrows in the Townsville community, Premier David Crisafulli has said the disgraced mayor “can’t be” part of the city’s leadership.

Last year, the Townsville Bulletin revealed that Mr Thompson’s had not worn medals of his own to the Anzac Day Dawn Service, instead, wearing his fathers medals on the right side.

Mr Thompson’s appearance on Anzac Day sparked questions in the community over the claims he made during the campaign, including that he was ‘proud father and son, business man, global traveller, soldier, gas fitter, business graduate and cancer survivor’.

Mr Crisafulli, who was in Townsville for the 2025 Dawn Service at Anzac Park, said that Mr Thompson was “not part of the council” and “shouldn’t be part of the council” while the current Crime and Corruption Commission investigation continued.

“The change we have made is to remove him from that council while that investigation occurs and I hope that’s given the council the air it needs to get on and govern the city,” he said.

“This city is important to me …”

“It needs strong leadership and Mr Thompson can’t be part of that, certainly not while those investigations are continuing.”

Anzac Day 2025. Dawn Service Anzac Park Townsville. Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Evan Morgan

This began to snowball, with the media, the community and other city leaders questioning the claims he had made.

He revealed on May 30 that he had “never completed” his university degrees.

Investigations soon began with the Office of the Independent Assessor beginning to look into his military history, with Mr Thompson finally unveiling his service number of May 23 which revealed he misled voters into believing he had served five years in the army and SAS.

Mr Thompson explained that he had completed a two-week recruit course from June 8 to June 22, 1991, before completing a reservist cooking course between July and December 1991, with no listed courses or activities past 1991 until his date of discharge on October 23, 1993, a time of less than 2 and a half years.

His claims of being posted to 105 Signals in Fremantle and 152 Signals in Swanbourne, which is connected to the SAS, did not appear anywhere in his official service records.

The OIA referred Mr Thompson to the Crime and Corruption Commission on May 28.

He is still currently under investigation by the CCC, with no findings having been made, and has been suspended from his role with his full $225,000-a-year salary.

Anzac Day Dawn Service Townsville 2024. Wing Commander Luke Headley and Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Thompson made a post on his campaign page on January 20, 2024 titled “My life in the Army” accompanied by a photo of him wearing a camouflage shirt, outlining his time with 109 Signals in Perth, 105 Signals in Fremantle and 152 Signals Swanbourne.

He said he spent “five years in the military in Perth …”

During his speech as Mayor on Anzac Day, Mr Thompson failed to mention his time in the army and when asked about his own medals he said: “no, I do not have any medals of my own, I’m here to respect my dad”.

The Bulletin reported that according to the Department of Defence, any ex-serving personnel who had served for four years as an ADF Regular or Reserve member since the end of World War II (September 3, 1945) are eligible for the Australian Defence Medal.

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson delivering his address at the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Park, The Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan

When asked by a Townsville Bulletin journalist on Anzac Day if he could recall his service number, Mr Thompson said “Look, mate I’d love to say I do, but I can’t give you that”.

Mr Thompson later told the Bulletin he simply couldn’t recall his service number.

“The only reason I don’t know my number is it’s written on a book, it’s back in 1994 or ‘95 (when he says he left the army) and I actually don’t remember my number so it’s written on a book at my house with my ex-wife. That’s it.”

This began an onslaught of questions from the media and led to The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works confirming they had referred the matter to Queensland’s council integrity watchdog, which investigates complaints about councillor conduct.

April 10 marked 12 month since Mr Thompson was sworn in as Mayor.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the council’s focus for the next 12 months was a “united front” to deliver for the people of Townsville. She said it was “no secret” that the 12 months has been challenging, not only for the council but the whole community.

Originally published as Premier David Crisafulli doubles down on removing Troy Thompson as mayor saying he shouldn’t lead Townsville