Queensland’s Department of Local Government is appointing an adviser to help the struggling Townsville City Council.

The garrison town’s mayor, Troy Thompson, is under investigation by Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) over a number of issues including his military past.

He continues to serve in his role, even though his fellow councillors unanimously demanded his resignation in June.

Queensland Minister for Local Government Meaghan Scanlon announced on Thursday that her department’s director-general will appoint an adviser to support Townsville City Council.

“We are all adults – I expect mayors and councillors to act in the interests of what they were elected to do,” Ms Scanlon said.

The Council must comply

The Local Government Act 2009 provides that the Chief Executive may appoint an advisor if he or she considers that the local government is not properly discharging its duties, is not complying with the law or if the appointment of an advisor is in the public interest.

The Act states that the advisor’s task is to assist local government in fulfilling its obligations and complying with the law.

Local authorities must fully comply with the advisory recommendations.

Ms Scanlon would not comment directly on whether she was considering using her powers to dissolve the board.

“A number of cases were referred to the CCC, the competent body to conduct the investigation,” she said.

“I will await any potential investigation or findings until I determine if I need to take any additional steps.”

The government-appointed advisor is separate from the position of mayoral advisor that Councillor Thompson unsuccessfully applied for at last week’s council meeting.

The Queensland Government’s actions are in response to allegations made by Councillor Thompson against the acting council leader.

Leak accusations

On Wednesday, Councilman Thompson accused Joe McCabe of leaking information and demanded his resignation.

The Mayor announced that he had filed a complaint with the Office of the Independent Evaluator.

Mr McCabe said he would not resign and rejected the mayor’s claims that he had disclosed confidential information.

“Over the last almost four months as Acting Chief Executive I have worked constructively and diligently with council and staff for the good of this beautiful city,” Mr McCabe said.

On Thursday morning, Councilman Thompson said he never considered resigning.

“Never, ever, ever,” he said.

“It inspires me to do better.”