Townsville City Council meeting: Heated debate over mayor’s role in chief executive appointment

The hostility between Townsville’s mayor and his councillors was excruciatingly clear as they traded barbs over a conflict of interest in the CEO appointment … a contradiction by the mayor adding fuel to the fire. WATCH THE VIDEO

Townsville City Council has narrowed down a permanent chief executive, following the approval of councillors to approve recommendations related to a “human resource matter”.

But Mayor Troy Thompson grudgingly removed himself from the decision making as he argued he had no conflict of interest connected to the issue, which he said in the open council meeting was connected to appointing the permanent chief executive.

Mr Thompson said he wanted to remain part of the CEO appointment as mayor following advice from his legal adviser, which previously he identified as firm Mills Oakley.

But after an adjournment and requests from councillors, he could not provide them with proof of the legal advice he was given.

Councillor Brodie Phillips challenged Mr Thompson’s right to remain in the room considering that he had left in the previous meeting on September 18 over the same issue.

This was on the grounds that Mr Thompson had a public conflict with interim chief executive Joe McCabe, who is short-listed among the candidates.

Acting CEO Joe McCabe pictured going into the council meeting this week. Picture: Shae Beplate.

In recent months, Mr Thompson has made multiple misconduct complaints and public statements against Mr McCabe, who has firmly denied the mayor’s allegations.

Mr Thompson argued that as the mayor he should be part of the recruitment process, and tried to open the discussion publicly so that he could argue his case.

Councillors sought the legal advice the mayor claimed he had that would vindicate his position to remain in the council chamber for the CEO decision.

But he contradicted himself.

“I haven’t got the written advice on me, it’s on my private computer because it’s a private matter,” Mr Thompson said.

As councillors pushed for that legal advice for clarity, he said “if we adjourn the meeting it’s got to be longer than hour an hour because I’ve got to get hold of my barrister from Brisbane”.

Mayor Troy Thompson at Townsville City Council general meeting on Wednesday. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Liam Mooney argued that the mayor’s reliance on getting hold of the barrister suggested the legal advice was not on his private computer after all.

Mr Thompson thought it was “absolutely crazy” if the councillors voted him out of the room, and after a 15-minute adjournment and further discussion he decided that he would leave the room when required.

“So we’re going to put those people’s names on record who’s going to lock out the chairman on a vote, is that how we’re going to move forward on this?” Mr Thompson said.

When Mr Phillips sought to speak, Mr Thompson interjected and said “the mayor is talking at the moment”.

“I’ve now taken independent legal advice and what you’re saying is councillors can lock me out of a process of a selection of the CEO which is absolutely crazy.”

Mr Thompson suggested an adjournment, as well as stepping outside of the room when the vote referred to Mr McCabe’s candidacy.

But it was shot down by councillors including Anne-Maree Greaney who said “that’s not a fair and equitable decision”.

Suzy Batkovic warned the room that order was needed to be restored as the argument was not being resolved in a public setting.

“This is not fair on the community, this is not what we’re in here for, there’s rules and regulations for all 77 councils in Queensland,” she said.

When the matter was finalised, a discussion led by deputy mayor Paul Jacob lasting half an hour, the council voted to approve their recommendations.

Councillor Vera Dirou voted against the decision, but later said she could not directly explain why this was the case because of the confidential nature of the discussion.

“My decisions reflect what I believe is in the best interests of our community,” she said.

Originally published as Townsville City Council meeting: Heated debate over mayor’s role in chief executive appointment