Former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson found to have misled voters about cancer diagnosis and military history

"The CCC also found that, as mayor, Thompson leaked numerous confidential documents to an unnamed adviser, sending them 8,741 encrypted WhatsApp messages in a five-month period. According to a report by the corruption body tabled on Thursday in Queensland's parliament, the adviser had no formal role within Townsville city council but was paid at least $5,300 for political and policy advice. The commission argued that his appointment of the adviser in a clandestine manner poses a corruption risk."

"In a subsequent interview with A Current Affair, he blamed 100-plus concussions and epilepsy for forgetting details of his military service. The CCC obtained copies of Thompson's medical records. There is no evidence Mr Thompson has received specialist treatment for epilepsy, the CCC report read. An epilepsy management plan has been endorsed by a general practitioner, who also prescribed anti-seizure medication between November 2023 and October 2024."

"Mr Thompson denies committing any kind of misconduct or criminal offence and respectfully declines to provide a response in circumstances where there is the prospect of future criminal proceedings, his lawyers told the CCC. The report also details allegations of false statements by Thompson before and after he became mayor of Townsville in 2024. During the election campaign he falsely claimed to have served as a signalman alongside the SAS and exaggerated his length of service, which was in the army reserve, it said."

Troy Thompson misled the electorate about a cancer diagnosis, his military history and university qualifications. As mayor, he sent 8,741 encrypted WhatsApp messages over five months to an unnamed adviser who had no formal council role but was paid at least $5,300 for political and policy advice. Thompson discussed steps to keep the relationship secret and was aware of confidentiality obligations. The adviser’s appointment in a clandestine manner was assessed as a corruption risk and messages were not preserved under the Public Records Act. Thompson denies misconduct or criminal offence and declined to respond due to potential future criminal proceedings.

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