Townsville mayor Troy Thompson suing own council for $100,000 over reputational damage

Under-fire Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has denied claims he’s seeking $100,000 compensation from his own council, saying he’s always been discriminated against.

Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson is reportedly suing his own council for $100,000 in reputational damages. Picture: Evan Morgan

Beleaguered Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson is reportedly suing his own council for ‘reputational damage’ in a move that could cost ratepayers at least $100,000.

Council sources say Mr Thompson told councillors following Friday’s Special Council Meeting, held behind closed doors, that he had launched a claim seeking $100,000 but believed that he would be awarded “much more”.

A source told the Townsville Bulletin that even though Mr Thompson had been paid his $4000-a-week salary during his month-long leave of absence for mental health reasons from June 5, the mayor has “submitted a claim of compensation in the order of $100,000 to the council”.

The source said the claim Mr Thompson was seeking compensation “from a council already in financial distress is the most insulting thing as a ratepayer that I’ve ever heard”.

It is understood Mr Thompson’s legal action centres around his human rights being breached.

Mr Thompson, who took leave from his job before a council vote of no-confidence in early June, has previously warned that those who have slighted him “should be very concerned”.

He is currently subject to a Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland investigation for misrepresenting his claims about serving in the Australian Army and his university education, both before he was elected and afterwards.

Despite claiming he would take “a leave of absence until the conclusion of the (CCC) investigations”, Mr Thompson returned to his role on July 3.

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson at a Schools Tree Day event last week. Picture: Facebook

Despite saying he would take leave until investigations against him were complete, Mr Thompson returned to duties after a month. Picture: Facebook

He has so far ignored calls from his own councillors and CEO as well as community leaders and politicians including Premier Steven Miles and LNP leader David Crisafulli to stand down.

Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob, who has increasingly acted as a “conduit” between the embattled mayor and the councillors who unanimously voted they had no confidence in him months ago, confirmed that speculation of legal concerns were raised directly with the mayor.

It is understood that Mr Thompson did provide an answer at length.

But Mr Jacob would not go into detail, except that he was “surprised” when the issue was raised Friday.

“The response that the mayor gave, I believe, was really pointing at the council,” Mr Jacob said.

“And his dispute is with the council, not with us.

“Look, it was very long winded, but it was basically, you know, just because he was asked that question (of are you trying to sue).

“He did give a response but I know his response was not aimed at the councillors.

“After that question was asked, we didn’t broach the subject after that, because it had nothing to do with councillors and it was a councillors’ meeting.”

Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Jacob said the mayor did not give a tangible financial figure on the costs involved.

The concern was raised following Friday’s confidential meeting around a “Human Resources issue”, after which an unofficial secondary meeting was held to discuss how councillors could better work together after the mayor had returned from mental health leave and councillors voted no confidence in his performance.

The no-confidence was “still technically there” according to the deputy mayor.

Councillor Andrew Robinson confirmed the mayor would be taking legal action and that he gave his reasons “for the course of action that he’s taking”.

“I believe it was directed more at council rather than at individuals, if that makes sense,” Mr Robinson said.

“The long and the short of it was he felt that’s damaged his reputation as to what we’ve done, and hence he is seeking compensation.”

But Mr Robinson said the concerns expressed by the mayor were broader than a public declaration of a vote of no confidence.

Mayor Thompson said it was a matter “between myself and the council regarding an ongoing anti-discrimination case”.

“However, I regret to inform you that I cannot discuss this issue further due to its legal nature and personal significance,” Mr Thompson said.

“I remain committed to advocating for the rights of individuals with impairments, and I will continue to fight against discrimination.

“If anyone in the community is experiencing similar challenges, I encourage them to contact the Queensland Human Rights Commission for assistance.”

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson. Picture: Facebook

Mr Thompson told the Bulletin Wednesday night he does “not have any plan to sue council at this stage” and indicated the claims were peddled “by my political opponents”.

He also stated there was no “statement of claim” as evidence, “no legal case on foot [sic]” and “if there was, it would be a private matter between me and council, though, I must stress, there isn’t”.

Multiple councillors confirmed Mr Thompson verbally told them of his intention to seek compensation in the vicinity of $100,000.

“It is well known that council has discriminated against me for me impairment epilepsy [sic],” Mr Thompson told the Bulletin.

“What I do with that complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission is a matter for me and I would like to say that I will always fight for the rights of people to not be discriminated against.”

A Townsville City Council spokesman would not comment on the reported legal action, saying “unfortunately in this case I can’t help with your enquiry”.

“Council will not be making comment.”

Originally published as Townsville mayor Troy Thompson suing own council for $100,000 over reputational damage