Townsville has witnessed a significant political shift as voters decisively turned away from their former controversial mayor, electing Nick Dametto, a former state MP and bodybuilding enthusiast, as their new leader. Dametto, 42, who was previously the deputy leader of Katter’s Australian Party, ran as an independent in the recent byelection and secured over 61% of the vote with just over 30% counted by Sunday.
Declaring victory, Dametto expressed gratitude to the residents of Townsville, stating, “I’m proud to thank those Townsville residents who voted for hope; hope for a better city, to build the capital of northern Australia.” His victory marks what experts describe as one of the largest electoral swings in Australian history.
Background of the Byelection
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of former Mayor Troy Thompson in September, following allegations of misleading voters about his military service. Thompson, who had been suspended on full pay since November last year due to an investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, was a distant fifth among nine candidates, garnering only about 5% of the vote.
Ann-Maree Greaney, the acting mayor, conceded defeat and expressed her willingness to collaborate with Dametto for the betterment of Townsville. “We all want the best for our amazing city and I look forward to working with Nick to deliver for Townsville,” she wrote on social media.
Political Landscape and Dametto’s Rise
Dametto’s campaign capitalized on his local popularity and visibility in the northern regions of Queensland. Known for his participation in bodybuilding and bull-riding events, Dametto has been a prominent figure in the area, having won the state seat of Hinchinbrook in the past three elections.
Political analyst Paul Williams noted, “He was always the strong candidate. But I didn’t think he’d win so easily. This is one of the biggest swings in any Australian election.” Townsville, often referred to as the unofficial capital of the north, has a political culture influenced by its military and mining roots, which align with Dametto’s populist right-wing stance.
Controversies and Campaign Promises
Despite his controversial stances, such as leading anti-immigration marches and advocating for “castle law” in Queensland, Dametto has managed to avoid major scandals. His campaign promises ranged from making Townsville “open for business” to implementing an “aggressive” flying fox dispersal regime.
Williams commented on Dametto’s ability to navigate the political landscape without major missteps, unlike many from the populist right who often find themselves embroiled in controversy.
Implications and Future Prospects
The election results have significant implications for the political dynamics in Townsville and Queensland. Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged the strong support for Dametto, stating, “This result will give this proud city the local leadership it needs and deserves. Congratulations Nick – our government looks forward to working with you to deliver better outcomes for a great city.”
Meanwhile, the political saga surrounding Troy Thompson continues to captivate local attention. Williams remarked, “When the history is written, it will be more about the colourful soap opera that was the decline of Troy Thompson.” Thompson, who had previously been disendorsed by One Nation, promised that his political journey was far from over, stating, “This chapter may be closing, but the story isn’t over.”
Looking ahead, a byelection for the Hinchinbrook seat will take place on November 29, posing a crucial test for the Crisafulli government and the political landscape in Queensland.
