Troy Thompson Steps Down as Townsville Mayor Amid Corruption Investigation

Controversial Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has resigned following an extended probe by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) into allegations of misleading voters about his military service and overstating his qualifications. Thompson, who had been suspended on full pay since November 2024, announced his resignation on Friday via a Facebook video, insisting that the decision was “not an admission of wrongdoing” but a stand against political interference. He emphasized that the ultimate choice of leadership should lie with the community.

The resignation came shortly after Local Government Minister Ann Leahy issued a two-week show-cause notice questioning Thompson’s suitability for office. The mayor had faced intense political pressure, including a unanimous vote of no confidence from Townsville councillors and calls for his resignation from leaders across state politics. The controversy has overshadowed the council for months, leaving governance in a state of uncertainty.

Thompson, who ran as a One Nation candidate in 2020 before being disendorsed, was elected to the mayoralty with backing from My Place Townsville, narrowly defeating long-serving mayor Jenny Hill with 52.62% of the two-candidate preferred vote. His tenure had been marked by repeated clashes with councillors and persistent questions over transparency and accountability.

Acting Mayor Anne-Maree Greaney welcomed the resignation, stating it lifts the “shadow of uncertainty and division” over the council. A by-election is now scheduled within the next two months to elect a new mayor, restoring normalcy to Townsville’s local governance.

Despite stepping down, Thompson has declared his intention to contest the upcoming by-election, asserting that nothing in law prevents him from running again. He also called on Minister Leahy to dissolve the council and urged an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement and corruption within the local government body.

The CCC’s investigation into Thompson’s alleged misconduct is nearing conclusion, but the commission has refrained from further comment until the inquiry is finalized, leaving Townsville residents awaiting clarity on the matter.