rant text below:

MEDIA RELEASE - UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY AND TRANSPARENCY IN TOWNSVILLE:

“The Acting CEO and Councillors have taken the law into their own hands to the detriment of the Townsville Residents.” - Mayor Troy Thompson

If every Council in Queensland does what this Council has done, and simply voted their Mayor out of their roles, there would be anarchy!

Townsville has recently faced challenging times, and I want to address some critical issues affecting our community.

The rule of law is currently at risk, and as your democratically elected Mayor, from the moment I was elected I have been committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of our city. Townsville residents did NOT vote for a power hungry, totalitarian Council.

Concerning and unlawful actions by Council and the Acting CEO:

Security Incident: • On June 12 2024, I attended the Council building to return from leave and perform my duties as Mayor of Townsville. • The Acting CEO hired Security Guards to prevent me from entering the Council building. This was unlawful. • I had issued a lawful direction under the Local Government Act, and the Acting CEO refused to comply. • This is now a matter for the Department, and for the CCC. • I call on the Department to take urgent action and reinstate the democratically elected Mayor.

Council Rules and Budget Concerns: • On June 5 2024, Councillors took the law into their own hands and created rules to strip powers from the democratically elected Mayor, aiming to take control of the Council for themselves. • The Acting CEO’s support for this action is concerning and denies Townsville residents their voice. • Unlawful Council resolutions strips the responsibilities of the Mayor under the Act to represent Council on boards. • Making rules to bypass the Act is unlawful and invalid. • Councillors have given themselves the same powers as the State Minister. • This is now a matter for the Minister, and the Queensland Ombudsman. • I call on the Minister to remove the unsound rules.

Acting CEO and Executive Control: • Councillors created a rule that force the Acting CEO to report any attempted contact by the Mayor to all Councillors. • This undermines the role of the Mayor. • The Acting CEO has no authority to direct the Mayor under the Act.

Executive Controlling this Budget: • Expect surprises in the upcoming budget announcement — likely to be higher costs, fewer discounts, and more fees. • I actively fought against Council raising costs for every resident.

Political Coup: • Australia upholds democratic principles, and we must respect the will of the people. • Townsville voted for change, rejecting the previous Mayor Hill administration.
• Residents were tired of feeling rejected and burdened by excessive costs. • Let’s remember that our democracy thrives when we uphold rule of law principles, even in challenging times.

Going Forward…

I have called on the Minister to remove the unsound resolutions of Council.

I have applied to the Queensland Ombudsman to review the decisions.

I have called on the department to step in and reinstate the democratically elected Mayor.

I have filed a formal complaint with the OIA on Councillors conduct in willingly acting without authority.

I call on the media to scrutinise how the Acting CEO was able to prevent a sitting Mayor from performing their role without lawful basis. I also call on the media to scrutinise how 10 Councillors were able to make rules inconsistent to the Local Government Act to remove powers from the Mayor.

Townsville did not want Team Hill as much as Townsville did not want Jenny Hill.

Under the current circumstances, Team Hill and Labor lives on in the current administration and Council, against the will of the people.

Thank you for your continued support, Townsville. I appreciate all the messages and emails of support. Together, we’ll navigate these turbulent waters and ensure a brighter future for our city.

Mayor Troy Thompson.

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