Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson gets pay rise despite CCC probe
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Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson gets pay rise despite CCC probe. Image source: Troy Thompson.
Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson will receive a pay rise while under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The first-term mayor was suspended by Queensland Local Government Minister Anne Leahy for 12 months in November on full pay of about $225,000 per year.
Mr Thompson's military, education and business credentials are the subject of an ongoing CCC investigation.
Townsville councillors had until today, July 1, to pass a resolution to reject a 2.5 per cent pay rise, which will automatically apply to all councillors, including Mr Thompson.
Cr Andrew Robinson confirmed last week there would be no effort to oppose the pay increase.
Townsville City Council's in-house media team declined to comment.
The CCC is looking into whether Mr Thompson misled voters about his military history. Image source: ABC North Qld / Lily Nothling.
The Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission determined the 2.5 per cent increase in late 2024.
The commission categorises councils and determines the maximum wage payable to councillors.
The government body said the need to attract quality council candidates was one of several factors in its decision.
Pay rise for all councillors
Mr Thompson receives his annual salary of about $225,000 while suspended.The 2.5 per cent increase will push his annual earnings above $230,000.
Remuneration for Townsville's deputy mayor has increased to $156,000 each year, while councillors will earn up to $138,000 with the pay rise.
Townsville councillors had until July 1 to pass a resolution to adjust or reject the pay rise. Image source: ABC North Qld / Chloe Chomicki.
A spokesperson for the Crime and Corruption Commission declined to comment on the status of the investigation into Mr Thompson.
During a visit to Townsville this month, Premier David Crisafulli said he had no idea how long the investigation might take.
"I share the frustrations of the community," Mr Crisafulli said.
"The CCC is doing the investigation and that is a question they would have to answer.
"I would like to see that resolved."
In a statement, Mr Thompson said that "no councillor should be receiving a pay increase" during a cost-of-living crisis.
He said any additional funds received during his pay cycle would be donated to "local organisations, clubs and charities".
Written by Chloe Chomicki, ABC News.
