Townsville mayor Troy Thompson breaks silence over 12 month suspension

Disgraced Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has broken his silence after being suspended by the state government.

Mayor Troy Thompson. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Stood-down Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has broken his silence, and vowed to keep up a legal fight, after being suspended for 12 months amid an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

In a statement posted to Facebook to supporters early on Friday morning, Mr Thompson said he was ‘disappointed’ to be informed of the stand-down measure that was put in place by Local Government Minister Ann Leahy.

“Late yesterday, I was informed this regulation will remain in place for the full 12 months. During the suspension I cannot perform any of the duties of a councillor or mayor, but will continue to be a community contributor, as I have always done,” Mr Thompson said.

“As disappointed as I am, this has set a precedent for councillors across Queensland, that the state government may suspend a democratically elected member without a proper judicial process taking place.”

Mr Thompson signalled his intent to continue with ongoing legal action and said he denied ‘any and all’ of the allegations brought against him.

“I absolutely refute any and all allegations that have been made to date, and will rightfully defend my position through the legal system.”

Mayor Troy Thompson will be stood down for 12 months on full pay. Picture: Shae Beplate.

After stating that he planned to return to the rule once his 12-month suspension expired, Mr Thompson said he intended to continue to educate himself about the suspension and his current situation, despite the suspension forbidding him from acting in any capacity as a mayor or councillor.

“During the 12 months suspension, I have advised the Minister of my commitment to complete studies around local laws, the act, meeting procedures and policies to ensure the people of Townsville get the best outcome for the future.”

The statement comes after Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy announced late on Thursday that Mr Thompson “agreed” to be suspended from his position as Mayor of Townsville City Council for 12 months on full pay — about $250,000 a year.

“This afternoon, I signed off on the regulation which will remain in place for the full 12 months,” Ms Leahy said.

“The premier made it clear Mr Thompson’s position was untenable and I want to thank Mr Thompson for recognising this situation.

“This result is a win for the residents of Townsville who deserve stability and a functioning local government.

“The people of Townsville spoke loud and clear and we have listened and we have acted.”

Crime and Corruption Commission investigators visited Townsville last month, interviewing Mr Thompson as well as a number of councillors.

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy. Picture: Liam Kidston

One hour and 20 minutes after the Minister confirmed the marching orders, Mr Thompson posted a series of photos from Thursday afternoon’s citizenship ceremony.

“In addition to recent news, please note I will be releasing a full statement tomorrow morning,” Mr Thompson said after lauding the new citizens calling Townsville home.

“Any negative comments will be removed as we take this time to celebrate our newest citizens.”

The CCC probe is looking into a number of matters, including Mr Thompson having misled the public over his military, university and business qualifications.

It is understood the CCC is also investigating a lengthy email sent by Mr Thompson to his 10 councillors, demanding they agree to a list of demands and threatening to ask the local government minister to dissolve the entire council if they did not comply.

No charges have yet been laid.

On the eve of the former Labor government going into caretaker mode, then-premier Steven Miles and Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon issued Mr Thompson a show-cause notice as to why he should not be suspended for 12 months.

Mr Thompson responded with a 23-page defence, which also included 35 “documents of evidence” and a multiple-page timeline of events.

During his 12-month suspension Mr Thompson cannot perform any of the duties of a councillor or mayor.

“I will meet with Townsville City Council tomorrow following this decision, as we continue working together in a strong partnership on behalf of the people of Townsville,” Ms Leahy said.

Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob will assume the role of acting mayor.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith thanked Ms Leahy for “the transparent way” she approached the issue, but called for the provisions to be reviewed by the current government.

A review of the provisions was originally planned by the former Labor government.

Speaking on the marching orders on Thursday afternoon, Opposition Leader Steven Miles said he was “glad sanity has prevailed”.

“Townsville is just too important for its council to go on paralysed,” Mr Miles said.

“That’s why we started the show-cause process and loaded the gun ready for the LNP to finally pull the trigger on Troy Thompson.”

Originally published as Townsville mayor Troy Thompson breaks silence over 12 month suspension