New Townsville mayor labels predecessor Troy Thompson a 'pathological liar' after report
A mayor who told voters he survived deadly cancer has been exposed as a liar, prompting calls for him to repay his $100,000-plus salary. WHAT’S NEXT
Troy Thompson has been labelled a “pathological liar” by his replacement, as Premier David Crisafulli vowed to close any loopholes that allowed Mr Thompson to be elected Townsville mayor in 2024.
The Crime and Corruption Commission report into Mr Thompson’s conduct during last year’s local government election campaign and while he was in office found that “critical integrity gaps” needed to be filled in to ensure candidates were truthful.
The CCC found Mr Thompson lied to voters about having survived a deadly form of cancer, had misled people about his military service and his education, and that he had hired a private adviser who he had linked confidential documents to.
No charges have been laid and Mr Thompson has maintained that he has “not committed any misconduct, wrongdoing, or criminal offence”.
The CCC report said local government elections were “dominated by independent candidates” and lacked the same internal vetting and nomination process often used at a state and federal level by major parties.
“Misinformation and disinformation can cause voters to doubt the integrity of the electoral system, or to vote based on an understanding of facts which simply aren’t true,” the report said.
Mr Crisafulli said it was vital that when people voted, they knew the truth about a candidate’s past.
“We will be well and truly absorbing that CCC report and my intention is to close some of those loopholes,” the Premier said.
“We’re going to take in the report and get to work on it straight away.”
New Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto branded his predecessor a “pathological liar” and said he should repay his salary.
Mr Dametto said the release of the report on Thursday marked the end of a “dark era” for the city, but the community felt “ripped off” that ratepayers paid Mr Thompson for 12 months while the investigation took place.
“Townsville feels ripped off that they’ve had to pay this person for 12 months while the investigation played through, and to see that the report now indicates a lot of those things that the public thought are now true,” Mr Dametto said.
“I believe that Troy Thompson should be responsible for paying that funding back.”
The CCC recommended that the government introduce a mechanism in which candidates may declare qualifications or employment history which they intend to rely on, with a sanction for providing false information.
The CCC also recommended the government clarify parts of the Local Government Act to make them clearer, and to consider if any further regulation was required in relation to elected officials engaging private advisers.
It also suggested the government look at aligning the local government sector with the public sector with regard to post-separation disciplinary processes.
Mr Crisafulli said whatever changes needed to be made, would get made.
“I’ve also committed to the parliamentary budget office to ensure when promises are being made they are properly costed, coupled with that, we are making sure people can’t airbrush their history,” he said.
However, the Premier did not give a direct answer when asked if Mr Thompson should repay the salary he received while suspended. “All of those things are on the table,” he said ambiguously.
“I will be reviewing all of the CCC report. This report shows why things have to change. A person can’t be one thing and masquerade as another before an election.”
“You bet we’re going to take it seriously.”
Mr Dametto rejected comments made by Mr Thompson in a statement after the report dropped, in which he denied any suggestions that he had “intentionally misled anyone”.
“These are the ramblings of a pathological liar,” Mr Dametto said. “This person has put forward mistruths from the very start to the public, so the fact that he’s saying these sorts of things now deserves no airtime whatsoever.”
Opposition Leader Steven Miles said calling for Mr Thompson to repay his remuneration was not an unfair request.
“He was there under false pretences, he barely worked at all, spent the time he was there fighting with people ... and that since then, he’s been on leave with full pay, a decision the LNP made to ensure he still got paid,” he said.
“I don’t think it would be unreasonable for the ratepayers of Townsville to expect that money back.”
James Cook University political expert Dr Liam Moore said it would be “difficult” to enact some of the changes the CCC had suggested.
“The way the electoral system is set up in Australia, it’s really inclusive, allowing almost anyone to run if they have six or seven signatures and a few bob to put down and no major convictions – these are electoral crimes, treason, and these sort of things,” he said.
Dr Moore said “the bar” was low by design because it was supposed to ensure every candidate had a fair chance. “I think where the Electoral Commission does perhaps need to have some stronger rules, and a bit of teeth, is around misinformation and disinformation,” he said.
“These are things that have been proven to be antithetical to a strong democratic system and what the CCC report found was the rules around lying about your own achievements and your own qualifications is technically not, or unclear if this is, illegal under the current legislation.
“Giving clarity to these sorts of things is needed.”
Dr Moore said some people could feel like the report was a “let-down” because there were no consequences. “But it is important that those recommendations are taken seriously,” he said.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said: “We note that the Crime and Corruption Commission’s report has been provided to the Attorney-General, who is considering its recommendations.”
Originally published as New Townsville mayor labels predecessor Troy Thompson a 'pathological liar' after report
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