Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has been suspended with full pay for 12 months by the Queensland Government.
Local Government Minister Ann Leahy confirmed on Thursday that Thompson had agreed to stand aside.
“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,” she said on Thursday.
“The premier (David Crisafulli) made it clear Mr Thompson’s position was untenable, and I want to thank Mr Thompson for recognising this situation.”
Thompson is the subject of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into whether he inflated his military, business and education credentials in the lead-up to local government elections earlier this year.
Leahy claimed the decision was a win for Townsville residents “who deserve stability and a functioning local government”.
“The people of Townsville spoke loud and clear and we have listened, and we have acted,” she said.
“We promised to deliver the people of Townsville a fresh start and that has been achieved with this action.”
The minister also took a swipe at the previous Labor state government for not suspending him earlier.
“The former Labor Government attempted to turn the people of Townsville into a political plaything and delivered nothing,” she claimed.
“Where Labor failed for nearly 250 days, the Crisafulli Government has delivered this result in two and half weeks.”
The ABC reported that Thompson rejected claims of wrongdoing in a social media post.
“I absolutely refute any and all allegations that have been made to date and will rightfully defend my position through the legal system,” he posted.
During his suspension, Thompson will be unable to perform any duties as a councillor or mayor.
Leahy also travelled to Townsville to meet with the other councillors.
Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob will step in as acting mayor.
