Suspended Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has been given fourteen days to fight for his political career after receiving a show-cause notice from the state government.
Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy announced the deadline in parliament today, following information received from the Crime and Corruption Commission. According to the Courier Mail, Minister Leahy stated that “dismissal may be appropriate” and described the allegations against Thompson as “serious.”
Mr Thompson, who has been suspended since November while drawing a $225,000 salary, faces allegations related to misrepresentations about his military history and education during his election campaign.
In response, Thompson has accused the government of political point-scoring and claimed he has not yet received the notice. Earlier this week, he formally reported Premier David Crisafulli and Minister Leahy to both the Queensland Human Rights Commission and the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Earlier in the week, Townsville City Council voted to reprimand Thompson over a “scathing” email sent to a staff member.