Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon responds to calls to remove Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson

Turmoil over Townsville’s embattled mayor Troy Thompson overshadowed yesterday’s community cabinet, but the Local Government Minister is refusing to use ‘extraordinary powers’ to fast-track the CCC investigation, despite intense pressure. See why.

Minister Meaghan Scanlon in Townsville on Wednesday. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Turmoil over Townsville’s rogue mayor Troy Thompson overshadowed a recent community cabinet meeting, but the Local Government Minister is refusing to use her ‘extraordinary powers’ to fast-track the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, despite intense pressure.

Premier Steven Miles, Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon and a slew of ministerial colleagues descended on Townsville on Wednesday, with Townsville’s mayor a hot topic of the Community Cabinet.

Mr Thompson returned to last week’s council meeting following a leave of absence amid a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation after it was revealed on national television the mayor had misled voters about his army, business and university qualifications.

The mayor’s army service record was first exposed in the Townsville Bulletin, before Mr Thompson appeared on A Current Affair and conceded he had not served in the army for five years across three units as he had claimed.

North Queensland leaders including KAP deputy leader Nick Dametto and Premier Steven Miles expressed their concerns following last week’s meeting, with Mr Dametto calling for the CCC investigation to be “expedited”.

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

“Let’s get the premier and the minister to stop using words and start using their powers bestowed on them to push things along,” Mr Dametto said.

On Wednesday, Ms Scanlon responded to calls for her to remove the mayor from his role, but said she would await recommendations from the outcome of the investigation.

“This matter has been referred to the CCC, which is the appropriate body to investigate matters,” she said.

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

“They are extraordinary powers that I have as Local Government Minister, and this is a democratically elected mayor, so I think it’s absolutely appropriate that we let that independent process run its course before I take any further action.”

Mr Miles said Mr Thompson was a hot topic during community cabinet meetings with stakeholders in Townsville on Wednesday, with Treasurer Cameron Dick saying Townsville and the council needed “clear leadership”.

“That’s the single most important thing this council needs and this city needs,” Mr Dick said.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said Townsville needed “clear leadership”. Picture Lachie Millard

“So it’s about time the mayor started dealing with issues relating to the city and delivery for the city, which is what he was elected to do and we’ve precious little of that since March.”

Originally published as Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon responds to calls to remove Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson