A mayor accused of misleading voters about his army service while campaigning in Australia's biggest military city has been suspended from office.
Embattled Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson agreed to be suspended from his position for 12 months on full pay, Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy says.
"This result is a win for the residents of Townsville who deserve stability and a functioning local government," she said on Thursday.
During his suspension, Mr Thompson cannot perform any of the duties of a councillor or mayor at the North Queensland council.
"Premier (David Crisafulli) made it clear Mr Thompson’s position was untenable and I want to thank Mr Thompson for recognising this situation," Ms Leahy said.
Mr Thompson previously said he would seek a court injunction if suspended, describing the move as a "political hit job".
He is being investigated by the state's corruption watchdog over matters including claims made during his 2024 mayoral campaign that he served five years in the army.
He later conceded on Nine Network's A Current Affair that he misled voters about his military record, blaming "100-plus" concussions.
It sparked a unanimous no confidence council vote in Townsville, the country's biggest garrison city boasting more than 15,000 Australian Defence Force personnel.
Mr Thompson resisted calls to stand down amid ongoing issues with colleagues.
The Queensland government sent him a show cause notice in recent months stating it was in the public interest to suspend him from office for 12 months.
The letter also accused Mr Thompson of risking the welfare of Townsville council staff and damaging confidence in local government.
It also alleged he hampered the council in performing its responsibilities to local residents efficiently and effectively as well as unreasonably diverting its resources.
Ms Leahy will meet with Townsville City Council on Friday to discuss the situation.
Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob is expected to fill the role of acting mayor.
In a Facebook post, Mr Thompson said he would release a statement on his suspension on Friday.
