Miles takes action against Townsville mayor despite court threats

A mayor accused of misleading voters about his army service in Australia’s biggest military city is facing a 12-month suspension.

Premier Steven Miles issued Troy Thompson with a show cause notice after cabinet discussed legal advice on Monday night.

Nine News revealed Miles had sought the power to issue the notice as premier, rather than have it done by the local government minister.

Troy Thompson speaking to A Current Affair in his first sit-down interview since being elected as Townsville mayor.Credit: A Current Affair

Thompson is being investigated by the state’s corruption watchdog over matters including claims made during his mayoral campaign that he served five years in the army.

He conceded in a May interview on A Current Affair that he had misled voters about his military record, blaming “100-plus” concussions.

The notice accuses Thompson of risking the welfare of council staff and damaging confidence in local government.

“I’ve consistently said that if Mr Thompson cares about Townsville in the way he claims to, the best thing for Townsville would be for him to stand down,” Miles said in a statement.

While Thompson has three weeks to respond, he has already vowed to seek a Supreme Court injunction “to protect the integrity of our local government” if the premier tried to remove him.

“Let me be unequivocal: there is no justifiable cause for such an action,” Thompson posted on Facebook.

“This would not only be an attack on a political rival but also an affront to the democratic rights of the residents of Townsville.”

The Local Government Association of Queensland said it was disappointed with a lack of consultation from the State Government.

“It is absolutely crucial that any state intervention is based on proper process and sound reasoning, which must also be transparent, measured and above politics,” said chief executive officer Alison Smith.

“Considerations must take into account any precedent it could set for the elected mayors and councillors of all 77 councils across Queensland.”

Thompson was referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission in May over claims he made about his military, business and education history during the mayoral campaign, later conceding some were false.

It sparked a unanimous no confidence council vote in Townsville, the country’s biggest garrison city boasting more than 15,000 Australian Defence Force personnel.

Thompson took a month’s leave in June after the no confidence motion. He returned to duty and the state government last month appointed an advisor to help the north Queensland council following months of friction.

AAP