In a remarkable turn of events, Townsville has decisively turned away from its former controversial mayor, opting instead for Nick Dametto, a bodybuilding, bull-riding former state MP. Dametto, 42, who once served as the deputy leader of Katter’s Australian Party, claimed victory in the mayoral byelection with over 61% of the vote as of Sunday, with just over 30% counted. This marks one of the most significant electoral swings in Australian history.
Dametto, who resigned from his party and parliamentary position last month to run as an independent, expressed gratitude to the Townsville residents for their support. “I’m proud to thank those Townsville residents who voted for hope; hope for a better city, to build the capital of northern Australia,” he stated, as reported by ABC.
Political Landscape and Election Context
The byelection was necessitated by the resignation of former mayor Troy Thompson in September, following accusations of misleading voters about his military service. Thompson, who had been suspended on full pay since November last year while under investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, had previously won the 2024 election with 46.4% of the primary vote. However, in this byelection, he garnered only about 5% of the vote, placing fifth among nine candidates.
Acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, who will continue to serve on the city council, 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.
Reactions and Implications
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.” He further congratulated Dametto and expressed his government’s eagerness to work with the new mayor to achieve positive outcomes for Townsville.
Dametto’s campaign was marked by his leadership in recent anti-immigration marches and advocacy for policies such as the appointment of a minister for men and the enactment of “castle law” in Queensland. Despite his controversial stances, Dametto managed to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other populist right figures.
“He was always the strong candidate,” remarked Paul Williams, a political analyst and associate professor at Griffith University. “But I didn’t think he’d win so easily. This is one of the biggest swings in any Australian election.”
The Fall of Troy Thompson
The decline of Troy Thompson’s political career has been likened to a dramatic narrative. Once a popular figure, Thompson’s downfall was precipitated by allegations of exaggerating his military background, which had initially helped him secure the mayoral position in 2024. His association with conspiracy theorists and prior disendorsement by One Nation only added to the complexity of his political journey.
Despite his defeat, Thompson took to social media to congratulate Dametto and thank his supporters, stating, “This chapter may be closing, but the story isn’t over.”
Looking Ahead
The byelection for the state seat of Hinchinbrook, vacated by Dametto, is scheduled for November 29. This will serve as a critical test for the Crisafulli government as it navigates the shifting political landscape in Queensland.
As Townsville, often regarded as the unofficial capital of northern Australia, moves forward under Dametto’s leadership, the city faces the challenge of balancing its rugged, pioneering economic and political culture with the demands of modern governance. Dametto’s victory signals a potential shift in the region’s political dynamics, with implications that may resonate beyond the city’s borders.
