The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has released its findings on a former North Queensland mayor accused of misleading voters about his military, education, health and business background.
It has found, contrary to former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson’s assertions, that he was never a member of the Special Air Service Regiment and only ever served in the army reserves.
The CCC also found no evidence to back Mr Thompson’s claims that he had suffered from oesophageal cancer or had two university degrees.
The investigation has resulted in no criminal charges, but has called for reforms to ensure truthful conduct by candidates.
In response to the findings, Mr Thompson denied any wrongdoing.
“I have not conducted any misconduct or criminal offence, I have said this from day one, and the facts now support that position,” he said.
Troy Thompson wore only his father’s medals on Anzac Day in 2024. (ABC North Queensland: Georgia Loney )
No SAS involvement
The most highly publicised allegations investigated by CCC related to statements Mr Thompson made about his military history and his business credentials during his election campaign.
The commission found that despite Mr Thompson’s assertions, he was “never a member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) of the Australian Army”.
“The evidence obtained by the CCC revealed he was only enlisted with the Australian Army for a period of two and a half years, was solely a reservist,” the report stated.
Former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson highlighted his military background while campaigning. (ABC News: Facebook)
False cancer claims
The commission also debunked health claims made by Mr Thompson.
During his campaign, Mr Thompson used banners that stated he was a cancer survivor.
“Mr Thompson’s cancer claims have varied; however, his more expansive commentary has been in relation to suffering from oesophageal cancer,” the commission wrote.
“The CCC obtained copies of Mr Thompson’s medical records — none of which record a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer or treatment for the same beyond Mr Thompson’s own self-reports.”
The commission also found no direct evidence to confirm Mr Thompson has been diagnosed and/or suffers from epilepsy despite repeated claims by the former mayor.
In response to the findings, Troy Thompson denied any wrongdoing. (ABC North Qld: Lily Nothling)
Release of confidential information
The CCC found that Mr Thompson knowingly released confidential information to an unauthorised advisor, that he was paying out of his own pocket.
CCC investigators found 32 occasions where Mr Thompson disseminated confidential council emails and information, using an encrypted WhatsApp account or his personal email address.
“Throughout this period, the advisor appeared to perform a quasi-personal advisory role to Mr Thompson, including drafting correspondence, emails, media releases and generally providing advice,” the report stated.
The CCC found Mr Thompson sent the advisor confidential information, including documents relating to the recruitment for the permanent role of the CEO.
The Crime and Corruption Commission has recommended legislative reform to ensure candidates are honest. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)
Months of turmoil
The release of the report follows 18 months of turmoil at the Townsville City Council.
Doubts about his background surfaced on Anzac Day last year when he wore only his father’s military medals at ceremonies in the garrison city.
In an interview on Channel 9 last year, Mr Thompson said any misrepresentations he had made about his past were the result of more than 100 concussions.
Mr Thompson resisted numerous calls to stand down, continuing in the role until he was suspended for 12 months on full pay in November 2024.
He continued to criticise the Townsville City Council and accused its CEO, state politicians, and his fellow councillors of working together to oust him from the role.
No criminal charges
The CCC said its investigation into Mr Thompson did not result in any criminal charges being laid.
However, the report recommended the state government review electoral and local government laws.
This included the introduction of sanctions for candidates who provide false information.
“The report highlights important issues, including the need for stronger systems and processes to ensure truthful conduct by electoral candidates, better detection and management of false or misleading information, and appropriate handling of confidential material,” the CCC said in a statement accompanying the report.