By Georgia Loney

Copyright abc

The Queensland government has asked Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson to show why he should not be dismissed, after receiving a Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) briefing into his conduct.

Cr Thompson was suspended on full pay in November amid a CCC investigation into his military, education and business credentials.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday morning, Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said she was briefed on the CCC report at the end of August.

“Since receiving that advice I have considered the matters relating to Cr Thompson in considerable detail, including my responsibilities in relation to the Local Government Act.”

Ms Leahy said Cr Thompson would be given 14 days to respond to a show-cause notice.

“Upon the receipt of Cr Thompson’s response I will carefully consider the matters raised before making a final decision.

“These are serious matters and the actions I have taken reflect this government’s firm commitment to transparency, natural justice and the high standards of integrity in local government.”

Ms Leahy said her focus was on the people of Townsville.

“They deserve a council that is stable, accountable and able to deliver for its community,” she said.

The government has not released the CCC report.

The show-cause notice comes three days after the Townsville City Council found that Cr Thompson had breached his code of conduct.

Ms Leahy suspended Cr Thompson in November on full pay.

Cr Thompson has consistently rejected complaints made against him.

In a statement issued on social media this afternoon, Cr Thompson criticised the move to issue a show-cause notice.

“These are allegations, not findings,” he said.

“And the have been brought forward by a minister who, in my view, is politically conflicted in this matter.

Cr Thompson said his legal team would respond further once the CCC allegations had been formally provided to him.

“The public deserves to understand the full context, not just one side shaped by political interests,” he said.

Federal MP Philip Thompson said it was “about time” action was taken regarding the suspended mayor.

“I don’t think it is fair on the ratepayer who has to foot the bill to have someone sitting at home receiving their full wage like this,” he said.

“I don’t think this has been handled quick enough and I don’t want to see this drag on for another year or two. We need action now.”