Premier David Crisafulli on Townsville’s lost AFCM and Troy Thompson suspension
Premier David Crisafulli has taken a swipe at Townsville City Council over the AFCM fiasco and shared his “frustration” over the Troy Thompson saga.
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Premier David Crisafulli appears to have taken a swipe at Townsville City Council in the wake of the AFCM fiasco and shared his “frustration” over the ongoing saga surrounding suspended mayor Troy Thompson.
In a shock move, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music announced it was abandoning its home of 35 years and moving to Cairns for what it claimed were a number of factors that included a “strategic alignment” with Cairns Regional Council.
Mr Crisafulli, a former Townsville deputy mayor, said the AFCM remained in North Queensland.
“But the people of this city have a really special attachment to it and I guess the council probably should keep a real focus on looking for opportunities in that cultural space,” he said.
Mr Crisafulli, who revealed on Wednesday that he was still a Townsville ratepayer, said the AFCM was a “great point of difference” for the city.
“It was also a great way for Townsville for showing the depth of offering that it has.”
He said the “great city” had multiple attractions, singling out the North Queensland Cowboys, the NTI Townsville 500 (Supercars), Magnetic Island and an emerging Palm Island.
“Events is the real strong point and the fact (is) that another neighbouring council was able to make a bid and the Townsville Council couldn’t counter,” he said.
“[Townsville City Council have] got their priorities, it’s a matter for them, but I can tell you as someone who was involved in it many years ago, it’s a festival worth backing.”
Asked why the Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland (CCC) investigation into Mr Thompson was taking so long, Mr Crisafulli said he obviously shared the “frustrations of the community”.
He said questions about the investigation needed to be put to the independent statutory body.
“That is a question that they would have to answer but I would equally love to see that resolved.”
The widely lampooned Thompson, who continues to draw down an annual salary of well over $200,000, is under investigation for a number of alleged mistruths about his university qualifications and military service.
In his latest embarrassing incident, the embattled politician was caught using a fake online name to bag former colleagues and to defend himself.
The CCC has been contacted for comment.
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