MEDIA STATEMENT: Statement from the Minister regarding Townsville City Council

Statement from the Minister regarding Townsville City Council

I can confirm Councillor Troy Thompson has been suspended as Mayor of Townsville City Council.

Mr Thompson has agreed to be suspended from his position for 12 months on full pay.

This afternoon, I signed off on the regulation which will remain in place for the full 12 months.

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.

We promised to deliver the people of Townsville a fresh start and that has been achieved with this action.

The former Labor Government attempted to turn the people of Townsville into a political plaything and delivered nothing.  

Where Labor failed for nearly 250 days, the Crisafulli Government has delivered this result in two and half weeks.  

During his 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.

Under normal process, the Deputy Mayor will assume the role of acting Mayor.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Templeton 0417 657 437