Townsville councillors confused by Mayor Troy Thompson’s media ban

Mayor Troy Thompson is back at work, but his first decision once he returned to his role has been described as “petty” by a councillor.

Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has returned to work. Picture: Evan Morgan

A Townsville councillor described the banishment of media from the council chambers as “petty” while another said Mayor Troy Thompson’s first action once he returned to work was unexpected and surprising.

Most councillors have criticised the mayor’s decision to ban reporters from the ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, especially while live streaming was still held.

The mayor might not have the authority to ban media from ordinary council meetings if they remained in the public gallery without recording work by digital technology.

Each council has its own policies set out within its local laws, and within this document, the Townsville City Council restricts people from making audio or video recordings of meetings unless it has the chairperson’s permission.

The Townsville City Council ordinary meeting was opened to the public, but the door closes on the media. Picture: Evan Morgan

Councillors did not know why Mr Thompson asked the media to leave the chamber once he was reappointed to his role, especially since they could watch the livestream footage on the council’s website anyway.

Attempts were made to phone each of the 10 councillors who previously moved a motion of “no confidence” in Mr Thompson as a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation was held against him.

Most councillors responded to the Townsville Bulletin’s questions: “What do you think of Mayor Thompson coming back?” and “Do you think it was right to ban the media from an open council meeting?”

Acting Mayor Paul Jacob chairs the start of the meeting, but it transitions to Mayor Troy Thompson resuming his role. Picture: Evan Morgan

Division 2 councillor Brodie Phillips said he understood the mayor had provided “relevant clearance” to interim chief executive Joe McCabe.

“There are matters obviously that are ongoing and are under investigation, but my understanding is the mayor is entitled to undertake his duties in that time,” Mr Phillips said.

Mr Phillips said he disagreed with the mayor’s ban on the media and said it needed to work with the council “in good times and tough times” and that it was in everyone’s interest for those relationships to remain healthy.

Division 3 councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the mayor’s return was “a matter for him”.

“Let me emphasise that all other councillors are committed to getting on with the business of council,” she said.

“Given the council meeting is an open and public meeting the media should have the right to be in attendance.”

Division 4 councillor Kristian Price said the mayor returned to business “as usual”.

“Councillors are working for the betterment of the city and looking forward to working with the residents.

“I don’t know the mayor’s reasoning why he asked the media to leave as it was live-streamed at that time.

Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has returned to work. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Was it right or wrong, that’s something I cannot answer.”

Division 5 councillor Vera Dirou said, “What our focus is on is moving forward”, and that the council needed to look after Townsville’s best interests.

“As for banning the media I was quite surprised of that action but obviously as the chair that was his choice.

“As you would have heard, his reasoning was it was being live streamed so people could still watch it over live stream.”

Councillor Kurt Rehbein said “for me it’s business as usual, I’m here to represent division 7 and the city, so it’s just getting on with the job for me.

“It’s entirely appropriate for the media to be in there; it was an open meeting that prides itself on transparency; the decision to remove the media rests entirely on the mayor; it was a decision of the chair to make.”

Division 8 councillor Andrew Robinson said his reason for voting for no confidence in Mr Thompson had not changed and that “integrity is of the utmost importance”.

But the council had to follow the instruction it was given.

Troy Thompson has returned to mayoral duties on July 3, 2024.

“However much it may gall me, and while my heart is fervently against how I would vote, it is my believe that we need to follow legal advice, for only a fool wouldn’t listen to legal counsel,” he said.

Mr Robinson said there was no reason to ban the media from the chamber.

“It’s not like anything’s been hidden … To me, it comes across as maybe a petty thing, banning journalists from trying to do their job.”

Division 10 councillor Brady Ellis said it was “inevitable” that the mayor would return to his role and that this was expected.

“He had to prove that he was medically fit, and he told us that he is, and I believe him on that,” Mr Ellis said.

“That doesn’t change anything I’ve said in the past, but he has met the criteria we asked for him to be considered fit to do it, and he is.”

Mr Ellis said the mayor had the right “to do as they please” by not permitting media in the council chamber.

He said the council offered a live streaming service but that this was not always accessible for everyone.

“So at all possible times, I’d love us to have as much media in there as possible.

“Having a strong media in Townsville is better for the city.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob acknowledged the Mr Thompson’s return and said “I subscribe to total transparency and welcome the press in council meetings.”

Division 6 Cr Suzy Batkovic and Division 9 Cr Liam Mooney did not respond to questions before publication. 

Originally published as Townsville councillors confused by Mayor Troy Thompson’s media ban