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The Magpie

Sunday, April 28th, 2024   |   505 comments

Meddling With His Past: Our Accidental Mayor’s Major Blunder In A Garrison City

Thank heavens he’s not in the army. Troy Thompson is continually laying mines to trap his foes and then treads on them himself.  It’s mesmerising to watch.  Even the Townsville Bulletin has gone from tut-tut to put up or piss off.  The situation is now untenable, both the mayor and the paper unable to fulfil their respective roles properly for the benefit of the community.  The Magpie ponders if there can be a way forward out of this omnishambles.

An interesting take on the selection of the deputy mayor … a touch of treachery and its rewards.

There’s always something in the air … but soon,it may not be airline start-up Bonza.  But all the airline news isn’t bad. Some sanity might return to the airline industry here if Australia can follow the American lead legislation about to take affect over there,

And a corporate Christ promises an Lansdown Lazarus. But it’s only for those who believe in miracles.

The ‘Pie has been busier than a Gaza glazier will be next year, with our mayoral mayhem greatly adding to small army of barking spiders making comment. It’s almost getting to be a full time job (actually, it always has been), so if you can lend a hand with support to meet blog costs,it will be much appreciated. The appropriate button is at the end of the blog.

Now onward …

It Was A Classic Case Of Painting Yourself Into A Corner

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When running for public office, it is generally wise to be able to back up any claims that you make … it has always been a basic and  reasonable requirement that one verifies what they claim. For reasons known only to himself (and reasons others can rightly guess) our new accidental mayor Troy TwoNames Thompson does not think this applies to him. Seems he’s about to find out that it does. This is the photograph, first published by The Magpie on Anzac morning,  that started the latest round of insistent questioning of this dodgy dodger.

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As about all Aussies know, you wear medals not your own on the right hand side, and those you have earned yourself are proudly displayed on the left breast. This rule is backed up by laws that provide penalties for those who tell visual lies.  The problem here is that Thompson, while not breaching any such rule (the medals are his father and his grandfathers), he has insistently claimed an apparently honourable five years in the Army – he’s mentioned the SAS, hinting laughably that he was one of that elite. But if this is so, where are his own service ribbons and or medal which he would have received if his narrative is the truth. They were nowhere to be seen on Anzac Day, his left hand side as bare as a commando undie drawer.  And in a city like Townsville, that’s bound to be noticed.

While The ‘Pie and readers asked a few questions, made some suppositions,  and offered some free character readings, it was the Townsville Bulletin that uncharacteristically went apeshit, something they usually reserve for sick kids or dead accident victims. First there was the carefully but forcefully worded story …

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… then on Saturday, a front page ..

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… with a a full page story on page 4 …

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…and finishing off with a blazing editorial.

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The ‘Pie includes this editorial boot to the Thompson jewels because so few people read the Bulletin nowadays that many Nest readers may have missed this turn of the worm.

That said, this piece may prove to be editor Cas Garvey’s finest hour, because it goes to the heart of what the paper should always do,  and should have always been doing for the past eight years, but wasn’t. b The Bulletin has demanded TwoNames prove what he says  and produce his service record, if he can. This is of course the fruit being borne of a touchy, jumpy Thompson and his prickly relationship with the paper doing its job. He was so unnerved by questions he didn’t think would be asked, he finally cracked showing all the aplomb and dignity of a cat on an eight lane freeway , losing all sense of reality. He  huffed and bleated an indignant  ‘how dare they’ and grandly announced that (despite being the mayor with a duty to communicate with residents),  he wasn’t talking to the Bulletin anymore.

And that’s where the matter rests at the moment.  As The Magpie said, the situation is now untenable, both the mayor and the paper unable to fulfil their respective roles properly for the benefit of the community. But there’s only one person who can fix that … Thompson needs to slip out of prima donna tutu and behave like all others in his position everywhere have always behaved.  But seems by now, telling the truth … not just about his military service, but his educational, financial and domestic violence background … he’s going to have to walk over a lot of wet paint to clear things up. If he can.

It is possible, depending on how things pan out, that the CCC may recommend fraud charges. And the military will be having a close look, too.

But take it from The ‘Pie, he won’t go easily. It’s not every day a con man hits a quarter of mill per year jackpot, plus perks.

ThIs Week’s  Quip Around The Ears Trophy Goes To …

Charlie is quoting from the Astonisher’s editorial.

Charlie Wulguru

Quote: “The Townsville Bulletin has a responsibility to this community to ask questions of its leaders on behalf of this city and the request was simple:”

How long has this been going on?

Subtle, eh?

An Insider’s Tale Of The Deputy Doo Dah Vote

Paul Jacob

Paul Jacob

It seems that Thompson’s much ballyhooed promised land of ‘transparency, accountability and honesty’  has been laid waste already.  With less than a month gone,  the deputy mayor Paul The Angry Ant Jacob is playing the new discombobulated mayor like a ukulele,  and acting as the bargain basement Machiavelli with lucrative appointments for the undeserving.  The Magpie  will reveal why it is t’s empire building at its crudest and again establishes the scourge of party politics in Walker Street … it’s pretty obvious who will do the kneeling and who will do the thrusting.

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Clr Kurt Rehbein … the most lucky fella?

If Troy TwoNames is our accidental mayor, Clr Kurt Rehbein’s is the luckiest grizzle and grunt under the sun. Given even a cursory glance at the stats, it’s clear a drover’s dog would’ve beaten him worse than a rented mule. ha he been opposed. But he wasn’t.   As you’ll see why,  just about anyone would’ve wiped the floor with him. The Magpie vouches for the author of the following,  but in his own and not just the authors interests, the writer will remain anon.  That’ll help drive the barking spiders in sweaty singlets in Thompson’s dim basement into a frenzy.

Here’s what our informant has to say:

Following the shellacking of Team Hill at the ballot box, including incumbent DM Molachino,  Kurt Rehbein considered making a play for the DM role and was sounding out others. Whether he was counselled against running by his ‘advisors’ or saw the writing on the wall as the possibility of a Team Hill majority faded is anybody’s guess but it seems his aspirations cooled.

Then at some point, with the dust settling, Ma Greaney decided it was time to put her hand up. It seems she actively sought and received the support of independents Brodie Phillips and Brady Ellis. Having secured the independent vote Greaney probably thought she had her nose in front with Rehbein, Batkovic and Mooney onside.

Now here is where it gets interesting.

Rehbein, it seems was a bit of a hold-out, but Rehbein and Greaney were seen in amicable discussion at a Stockland coffee shop on the Monday before the vote. The good oil is that it’s here that Rehbein apparently pledged his support for Greaney’s bid. BUT somewhere between Monday and Wednesday, Rehbein did an about face. My spies in TCC halls tell me Rehbein was seen in multiple discussions with Jacobs on the morning of vote and apparently by just before the special council meeting Greaney knew Rehbein had flipped.

We now know the outcome. Rehbein’s backflip turned a potential 6-5 win for Greaney into a 6-5 win for Jacobs.

The question is why?

In Wednesday’s Bulletin,, Rehbein’s reasoning for what appears to be his his treachery was that the community had spoken, implying no more “Team” Hill, and that he was listening. As has been noted in The Nest,  given Jenny Hill’s vote in Division 7,  this may actually have been an act of survival on his part. The irony is that Jenny Hill got him elected in 2016,but in 2024, while elected unopposed, his booths were among the worst performing for Jenny Hill; 40% or less of mayoral vote. If any no-name, such as another Vera Dirou, had stood against him, Rehbein would have gone the way of Cook, Molachino and Ryder….out the back door.

In contrast, Batkovic’s and Greaney’s divisions were Jenny’s best where she got roughly 50% of the primary vote.

So now the ‘why starts to  become clear:  we now can see that Rehbein’s support for Jacob gave him a seat at the table for CEO selection (you rightly called him out on his what!!..me!! response) and safe passage into an LGAQ role, plus  some extra $$ in the kick. He might have got there with a vote for Greaney for DM but my spies tell me Thompson stepped down from taking an LGAQ role to allow Rehbein to step up. One of your blog contributors and a Thompson sympathizer Bent Pipe said as much this week (“Note also the fact he had already decided the team members positions for each advisory. And he elected Rehbein on the LGAQ”). That would likely have been at Jacobs’ behest. Seems the non-Team player Rehbein has found himself a new team.

The Magpie finds it strange for this dishonourable prick to tell the paper that the ‘community had spoken’, implying is vote reflected that voters didn’t want any more Team Hill or Labor … and then votes for an ambitious Labor politico in Paul Jacob. Seems if Rehbein shakes your hand, don’t just count you fingers, check if anything is left up to the elbow.

So Much For No Deals, Now Or In The Future

After the deputy mayor election there were, and are, concerns about the position be contested every year within the council. It could be argued as a good thing,  it is could get rid of non-performers.

But hang on a sec, is this another TwoNames strategic cock-up?

Trying to be cunning,  Thompson probably thought if the deputy does not back his decisions and agenda,  he will have him replaced next year. There would be a salary loss of something like $20/30,000 per year. TwoNames figured no one really go against him and risk losing that much from their pay packet. Smart move by Troy to keep deputy in line, eh?

Not really. He seems to  forgotten – yet again – all about the council and that it votes on the deputy matter.  he can’t seem to get it into his head that he is not a one man band. And he’s no Jenny Hill, so his silly plotting on this matter guarantees all sorts of time-wasting, non-productive hours of councillors maneuvering and forming blocs for purposes that will not benefit the ratepayer one iota.  And worse, mate, if karma is back from holidays, you just may get an actual strident critic that’ll will cause you … and the general population -… all sorts of non-productive in-fighting.

Great that your so forward looking, you goof.

And Lest We Forget Her 

The ALP have just called for Expressions of Interest (not nominations ) in becoming a candidate for various electorates, including Herbert and three Qld senate spots
Wonder if Jenny’s wounds have sufficiently healed for her to drag on the purple doona and waddle down to the ALP office to express an interest.
Senate would be where she would want to go now … in the unlikely event that the backroom boys fancy damaged goods in the form of yesterday’s woman.

ThIs Week’s  Quip Around The Ear Trophy Goes To …

Charlie Wulguru
65 approved

“The Townsville Bulletin has a responsibility to this community to ask questions of its leaders on behalf of this city and the request was simple:”

How long has this been going on???

Meet  Jesus C. Grocott,  Who Promises To Raise The Dead … But With A Couple Of Stipulations – Patience And Public Money.

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QPM on-executive director Stephen Grocott

 

Early in the week, Queensland Pacific Metals, a linch-pin for the Lansdown hub in the scrub, told the ASX it was scaling back it’s Lansdown plans to concentrate on its Moranbah operations. Didn’t have enough dough to operate both, the board told the stock market, ‘we only have enough funds to keep one of them going’.. That was widely interpreted to mean the Lansdown venture was effectively mothballed, and given the conditional nature of the TCC lease on the land allocation, could actually mean it was dead.

Then yesterday, QPN’s non-executive Director Stephen Grocott said no, this parrot was not dead.  As reported to ace stenographer Lighton Smith, it was all a matter of money to resuscitate it. Although QPM doesn’t have the necessary folding itself, ‘additional government or investor support could remove the final roadblock standing in the way’. Ah, so the begging bowl has been whipped out. Again.

Ah, so, Dr Grocott, an extra 15% of taxpayer or investor money will see the $2.1billion project back on track, will it?  That would be quite a few million, so enough to make things tickety boo, building started, jobs materialising?

Well, no actually.  Get this.

Dr Grocott again: ‘We have full approvals, and just need the last 15% of the funding to complete a very high quality bankable FEASIBILITY study.’  A fucking feasibility study? Which, in the normal run of the English language, is a study to see if things stack up financially and business-wise. And of course, this follows the previously reported (not kidding) pre-feasibility study, which in essence was a feasibility study into whether a feasibility study was justified. The wheedling tone of  the words  ‘just’ and ‘very high quality’ in that sentence puts the whole report on the nose, and  (humblebrag) proves the Magpie’s warnings over the past two years that QPM was far from being adequately funded for this project.

It’s shaping up as a mini-Magnis Mark 2.

But congrats to Lighton Smith, who extended his admirable record of never having not asked an original, meaningful question for any story he’s ever done.

Is It Bye Bye Bonza?

Perhaps not yet, but this seems to be worth keeping an eye on.

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And here’s some cheery news – American passengers whose flights are cancelled get an immediate refund on their airfare. Plus any other service extra they paid for like WiFi. Or if their baggage doesn’t arrive with them.   It comes into law in a few months. One can only hope that the Australian Government follows suit.

And the aspect that most pleases  The ‘Pie is this overdue and fair measure from the announcement:

“We made sure Enforcement of Penalties for cancelled flights that it was structured in a way that didn’t all just come back to the Treasury in the form of fines,  but it went back out to the passengers in the form of compensation.”

Brilliant. But could it happen here? You can bet the airline spin doctors and lobbyists are already burning the midnight oil.

Courting Trouble

The dual nature of the American legal system … some are more privileged than others … has been shown in stark outline this week. While Donald Trump continues to get away with multiple breaches of gag orders in blatant ways that would have anyone else cooling their heels with Knuckles McGurk in cell 6, a New York court has thrown out Harvey ‘The Wayward Weiner’ Weinstein’s rape conviction on a point of law – that’s the case that kicked of the #MeToo movement.

But putting aside the glaring contrast in attention to legal niceties, the NY Supreme Court got it right. And given the relative tame reaction of those that author Kathy Lette calls the Vagilante Army, it seems that the point of the appeal is well taken and valid … women unconnected with the charges against Weinstein were allowed to testify. To any Australian lawyer, this is astounding to have been allowed in the first place, a ‘he looks good for it, look at what else he’s supposed to have done.’ miscarriage of justice. But the Vags need not worry Harvey will be coming through the bedroom window anytime soon … he is off to California, to start the 16 years he got there for a rape conviction that still stands … and he will be retried in a new trial in NY (they are unlikely to invite the wrath that a refusal to re-try would bring.)

The upside for Harvey is that he’ll certainly be racking up the frequent flyer points across America.

Irony corner: the Weinstein case was heard in the very same courtroom in which the world’s most famous feline handler snoozes through his fraud trial.

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The ’Pie has always been interested in the rules surrounding naming of racehorses and occasionally has flights of fancy when a name hints of a childish saying Daddy liked, or a more lustful one hidden behind some cleverv words.  And so, it seemed there might be a story of some memorable nocturnal domestic activities of an alpha male owner of horse number 9 in race 1 at  Cairns on Monday.

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PS it didn’t come first, which is bad news on the racetrack but good news in the boudoir.

And Finally

If you get somewhat taut with all the stuff going on in Walker Street, in Brisbane, Canberra, Washington, Ukraine, Gaza,  or belgian Gardens, for The ‘Pie, this image puts it all in perspective … in Bogey’s famous words ‘It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.’

Screen Shot 2024-04-25 at 10.36.24 am………

That’s the lot for this week.  But a special shout out to the three or four citizen-journalists who trusted The Magpie with their information included in this week’s Nest.That’s what the blog is all about, a forum for what won’t be said elsewhere. (However, nut jobs need not bother.) Comments are fun and informative too, worth puttingon alert for lotsa laughs and high blood pressure. That donation button is below.

The Magpie's Nest is now more than five years old, and remains an independent alternative voice for Townsville. The weekly warble is a labour of love and takes a lot of time to put together. So if you like your weekly load of old cobblers, you can help keep it aloft with a donation, or even a regular voluntary subscription. Paypal is at the ready, it's as easy as ... well, easy as pie. Limited advertising space is also available.

505 Comments

  1. Prince Rollmop says:

    Mayor Twonames needs to concentrate on running this city, instead of pissing off the majority of the councillors and the local newspapers. He, and his posse, also need to worry less about ‘bullying’, and worry more about transparency and honesty, something he has yet to do. It’s going to be an interesting few months watching politics play out in our region as Troy embeds his team, Smiley Boy Miles goes down the gurgles, and Albanese keeps descending into the political abyss.

  2. Pedant says:

    Re. racehorse names

    There was a horse that ran only once under its original moniker. It was in a lowly Maiden sprint at Bundamba in Ipswich.

    The horse was called “Bucket of Vino”. The pronunciation guide for racecallers stressed that the Vino was pronounced with a long “i”.

    Then there was the filly by the beautifully-named Central Queensland stallion “In The Slot” out of “Pretty Doll”. She raced under the very grand name of “Sensate Focus”.

    The large syndicate of owners had a great deal of fun role-playing media interviews after winning the Melbourne Cup, particularly in answering the question: “But what does the name mean?”

    She won a race in Thangool, probably in Bradbury-style, and nothing ever more.

    • The Magpie says:

      No doubt she won her race .. as they say in racing circles … with a leg in the air.

    • Airline says:

      Over 55 years ago my Father had several horses with Tony Lopes a trainer at Flemington Race Course . Along with several other people he bought a Yearling Lads Love out of Moment of Truth , when they all met to submit names for the Australian Stud Book . My father had not selected a name and asked my view, i said on the breeding you could call it Moment of Truth . Thats what was approved by the ASB I think it won a country race in Victoria …

  3. Grumpy says:

    Had a ringside seat for The Great Pretender’s performance during the Anzac Day ceremony at the footy last night. It appeared that he was being pointedly ignored by the real soldiers near him and the other Thompson treated him with withering contempt. Two-Names stood around awkwardly when he was not staring lovingly at himself on the big screen. The crowd near me reacted coolly towards him. No applause, with one wag wondering out loud whether Troy has remembered his number yet. No medals at all this time. He is a maladroit fool. Clearly so far out of his depth that he’ll be soon shaking hands with Stockton Rush. Malcolm, I seriously doubt whether he is intellectually capable of the Machiavellian scheming you describe – he’s simply not that clever.

    • The Magpie says:

      On your last point, Grumps that has beena. constant suspicion, but then raises the question … edging into conspiracy here … of the puppeteers behind him (as evidenced in comments here in The Nest.) We need a closer look at MyPlace.

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        Twonames might be as dumb as a slice of toast, but he will have LGAQ mentors and people like Tony Bligh and even the stinky CEO guiding him through the political maze.

        • The Magpie says:

          No he won’t, Blight is out the door within the next month, Prins announced his retirement when detailing his own plans.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          Mopsy, dumb as a slice of toast…? :)
          Try as dumb as a bag of hammers!

        • Southern Comfort says:

          He has been seeking a Mentor in the form of Alison Smith CEO of the LGAQ. However, she gave him the whole drill on how to appoint an interim CEO. That went down so well at council last week.

          With Mentors like that, who needs enemies.

          I’m always waiting for. TwoNames to mention his other great Mentor, Clive. It’s been a while since I’ve heard TwoNames mention hot tight he and Clive are.

          • Southern Comfort says:

            Clearly a typo in that last sentence. But I’m going to ask to leave that stand for imagery’s sake. Sorry y’all!!

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Sooner, rather than later, this fantastical game of make believe Mr Twonames is playing will be over. Like all the other games of make believe he’s played.

      “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time”

  4. mike douglas says:

    The State of the cbd , Councillor Food Trucks Greaney never seen by cbd tenants / landlords . Scott Stewarts blast . Closes Flinders st for the opening of an envelope impacting struggling foodies , responsible for Councils half Lane ownership which had the roller shutters down for months blocking access to bus hub thinks she deserves a bigger role ? . Perhaps Mayor Thompson appointing Rehbein is a sign of disconnect from the LGAQ and quasi local buy , the recruiters Ceo are Peak Services LGAQ ? . I note the Councillors voted to receive a car allowance which means Council doesnt have to source / finance / service their vehicles . Any idea how much that is a year ? . Councilors need a picture of Councils true financial position and only have about 7 working days for Prins to disclose .

    • Alahazbin says:

      Mike, Re the car allowance. It appears to have done a full circle. Perc Tucker received a car allowance for that beautiful LS Monaro, as did previous Mayors.
      It was Mike Reynolds that bought in the supply of a Mayoral vehicle. He got a VK Commodore Calais..
      Then later all Councillors and Mayors vehicles were leased. So now back to an allowance.

    • Not on your Nelly Bay says:

      Appointing Bargain Bin Rehbein “a sign of disconnect from the LGAQ”?

      Quite unlikely, as I surmised a few weeks back, when I suggested that hissupport for Deputy Angry Ant was part of some Faustian Pact with our stolen valour mayor. – in exchange for a lick of the LGAQ icecream. Rehbein has been gallovanting across the state to these love-ins since he was elected, he couldn’t miss the chance to up the frequent flyer points and drink some ratepayer-funded piss.

      Furthermore, Two Names bringing in Peak Services to appoint the CEO is the ultimate sign that he will be continuing to suckle on the LGAQ teat for as long as he can – they can do the thinking for him.

      • The Magpie says:

        Well,suppose someone has to.

      • Critical says:

        Can anyone explain why you would appoint an interim CEO for 6 months over appointing a permanent CEO who can get on the job of running the city. This doesn’t make sense and I’m starting to smell a rat here.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          Crits, ‘cos twonames said so!

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Because they need someone now, to hold the fort, during budget preparation and end of financial year. This will let council continue operating while they search for the right candidate to take the position long term. It’s a stop gap measure and is perfectly normal. No rats in the theory of the process.

  5. Jenny says:

    Magpie, “ They were nowhere to be seen on Anzac Day, his right hand side as bare as a commando undie drawer.” I think you got your ‘sides’ back to front.

    • The Magpie says:

      Oops.Thanks for the heads up. Amended.

    • Kingdom of Troy says:

      Magpie, same learned friend wasn’t sure of protocol of medal wearing, wondering if had choice of left (own), or right (relative) but not both. A quick google check reveals that anyone can wear both their own medals on left AND relatives medals on right. So this beggars the question, if you had your own medals why not wear them too. I’m sure Dad would be doubly proud !!!

  6. Pinocchio says:

    Twofaces/twonames’ nose grows longer by the day. He’s becoming more exposed than a nudists picnic. Does he know how to be truthful? The most honourable thing he could consider doing at this point is to step down.

    Kurt R, you are a sycophantic dog. Jacob’s you’re in the same basket. WHAT has Townsville done to deserve this dogs breakfast???

    • Pencil Pete says:

      The accidental Mayor isn’t an accidental idiot. He has been a dodgy and shifty fool for many years. His history is checkered and questions that have been raised need to be answered. Troy, Troy, Troy, we are watching you. Can’t wait to see what name you post under this week in the magpies best.

      Standby for Troy’s cheerleaders..

  7. Inspector Clouseau says:

    So, twonames claims to being bullied. The thing about resolving being bullied is that you look inward first and foremost.
    I.E. Is there anything I am doing to attract/draw attention to myself, which has precipitated the ‘bullying’ behaviour.
    Twonames, you have lied repeatedly about military service, educational qualifications and your actual employment history is not clear. YOU have brought these inquiries upon yourself – you are NOT being bullied, you are being found out!

  8. Xenu says:

    There are a lot of similarities between Bargain Bin Rehbein and Two Names Thompson. Like TT, Kurt is the type of guy who considers ‘budget fashion’ to be a luxury brand. Both have a penchant for cheap suits and shoes, and they exhibit huckster-like behavior that would put a used car salesman to shame. In terms of rat cunning and street smarts, Rehbein runs a distant second, even though it appears that TT is pretty fucking dumb. If Rehbein’s brains were made of chocolate, he wouldn’t fill a Smartie.

  9. Prickster says:

    The pathway to the future is amazing clear and straightforward for TwoNames;
    1/ Publish his military service records
    2/ Publish his university transcripts
    3/ Publish his police check results.

    All pretty easy to do, especially for the king of transparency.

    • Not on your Nelly Bay says:

      I’m sure these are private matters and Two Names “won’t be providing further comment”

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      As he has said numerous times, his service number was written in a book at his ex wife’s house. And that was 30 years ago, a long time ago and he has moved around a lot since then. He has simply forgotten it. It was never important when he was working with the department of homeland security. And is probably in the same place as his university transcripts.
      Therefore we should just all just follow suit, look to the future to save this city from corruption, flouride, and injustice and keep being up front and transparent.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      If only there was some software company that could check on employees credentials before they entered a workplace to make sure all their credentials were in order.

      Oh, that’s right, there was. It was called iPro Solutions. If only their CEO had launched an iPro Politico version, they might never have lacked for business.

  10. Not running for Mayor says:

    Twofaces has forgotten the first rule of any conman, keep the back door open and the engine running in case you need a quick escape. He didn’t make the link that if he pulled off the first leg of his scam, the getting elected bit, he was locked in for four years under the relentless spotlight. Silly silly little man.

  11. Kingdom of Troy says:

    The following was pointed out to me by an observant and knowledgeable friend….

    During the ANZAC Day ceremony that preceded last nights Cowboys game, TwoNames was standing with hands clasped in front of him. In contrast Messers Preedy (RSL President) and Thompson, both with service history, stood with arms by their side. I was assured by my friend that hands by sides is standard protocol for those having served during such ceremonies.

    The devil is in the detail but perhaps yet another pointer to Thompsons false claims of service.

    • The Magpie says:

      Presumably then, this was taken before the ceremony started. And note the difference.

      • Surely Not says:

        An acquaintance noted some chatter on your blog about Mayor Thompson’s stance at pre-game ceremonies but couldn’t send photo to blog. Not great quality but image shows Thompson and CEO Reibel in middle with hands clasped in front flanked by MP Thompson and RSL President Preedy at attention with arms by sides. The spies it seems are everywhere. Will Thompson start becoming paranoid soon?

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        Exactliy. We all automically stand to attention. Even the RAAF although in a more slack stance.

    • Skeptical Scribe says:

      This incessant campaign of misinformation and disinformation against Troy is getting quite pathetic, Magpie. The Bulletin’s hit piece, and your scathing articles against Troy are really quite sad and desperate. It will be stated again and again, Troy has always been upfront about his service in the army reserves, He has never stated he was in the army ‘full time’. What does it even matter what capacity he served in anyway? It’s trivial nit picking at best. Besides, he has yet to be proven wrong or found guilty regarding the allegations against him. Your stories are nothing more than unverified claims and will lead to nothing. It’s actually quite amusing watching you and the Bulletin tie yourselves in knots over nothing. How about we focus on facts and fair critique, rather than letting unproven accusations sway public opinion. You owe it to our democratic process to assess leaders like Troy be based on truth and fairness, not on rumours or biased reports. Troy is incredibly resilient and his tough qualities are often misunderstood as a lack of intelligence. In reality, his straightforwardness is a sign of his honesty. Something you and your viewership have never grasped by the looks of it.

      • The Magpie says:

        That’s eligible for some sort of alternative facts award – if you are actually a scribe, you would be a great fit for the Bulletin in less hectic times. And fyi, putting aside the reeking desperation of your Pollyanna comment, we here seem to be laboring under the illusion that we are focussing on facts and fair critique, but seems our concept of that differs from yours, which is simply biased spin – classic shoot the messenger drivel.

        But have to love that bit about Troy is incredibly resilient and his tough qualities are often misunderstood as a lack of intelligence.

        That is a most interesting comment – misunderstood by whom?

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        So Scribe, is it safe to assume that you too are a liar and a fraud and have a number of dodgy skeletons in your cupboard? It is alarming that you consider twonames a fit person to be Mayor with the lies he has told that have been exposed, SO FAR………

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        SS, the misinformation and disinformation you talk about has come from none other than Mr Thompson himself. We are merely wanting clarification so we may know which particular piece of information he has told the public is the truth. Unfortunately there are so many versions or Thompson’s “truth” that it’s now difficult to determine which one is actually true or if any of them are true.

        • The Magpie says:

          And for some reason they think they are the entitled ones … entitled to not be bullied (they’re not), entitled to keep the past to themselves (they’re not) and they’re entitled to lie and swerve (they’re not).Whereas voters are ENTITLED TO TRUTHFUL BIOGRAPHIES OF THOSE WHO WANT TO BE PAID IN PUBLIC POSITIONS FUNDED BY THE TAX/RATEPAYERS.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Exactly fucken right Magpie.

            Standing for public office, means your life can be scrutinised by the public and the media. And the statements you make and the opinions you hold can be ridiculed if they are nonsense.

      • Grumpy says:

        SS – and just who is making the “unverified claims”? The only way he can shut us up is to provide some verification of his outrageous unverified claims.

      • White Mouse says:

        Skeptical- it matters because Twonames embellished his CV by saying he was in the SAS. Any other unit in Australia, and it possibly wouldn’t have received any scrutiny, but no, he had to align himself with the best of the best. Reservist or full time, you remember your service number – it’s not something that you have to look up.

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      Kingdom, that’s a stretch as big as two porkers reaching for the last sausage roll on the morning tea table!

  12. Doug K says:

    I, too, was at the Cowboys game last night and when Twonames was introduced I was expecting at least a few boos but….nothing.
    As Grumps said, Troy the Boy didn’t get a single clap from the crowd, but neither did the other “dignitaries” .
    My take on all of this is that the local paper has little or no impact these days because very few people read it. Saturday circulation (sales) was once 42,000 copies but these days I’m told it’s down to around 17,000.
    So I think most of the crowd were unaware of the damming revelations of that morning’s front page.
    Yet advertisers still pay over-the-top advertising rates, including the Townsville City Council, which had the equivalent of 2 full pages worth of wasted ratepayer funds in yesterday’s rag.

    • Inspector Clouseau says:

      Fair point Doug, BUT, it should pique the interest of Southern/East Coast big hitting media and perhaps Qld. CCC and Military investigations? What ya think??

    • Cluden Axe says:

      Doug I think of this clown more like dog shit on the footpath. No need to boo at it and definitely not going to applaud it. Just quietly sidestep and move one.

  13. Anorchia says:

    Yes twonames, that’s you! A useless, lying toad who is a disgrace to the Townsville Community. If you did have any, the honourable thing to do now, is surrender, apologise and resign.
    Our community can’t endure 4 years of you and your grandiose lies.

  14. Northside Pete says:

    Mayor TwoNames need to get on with the job and get things happening.
    Sitting pretty and blaming everyone else is lame and gonna infuriate the public.

    Would the other candidate Harry have done a better job? We need to get better candidates for the next election. Townsville need to and could have done better…

  15. David Thoumine says:

    28.04.24
    Good afternoon, Magpie
    In refer to the recent swanning around Queensland of the Premier and is cohort the Police Minister M Ryan together with the newly appointed Police Commissioner Mr. Gollschewski. Seeing these politicians in the presence of the commissioner trying to gain some advantage in relation to their credibility is disgusting to the point of it being nauseating.
    The Westminster system is often quoted with the pomp and ceremony in parliament but the separation of powers does not seem to fit in the governments interpretation of the system. Where the system originated it is extremely rare to see a high-ranking police officer in the company of a politician, unlike when Katarina Carroll was commissioner the only time, she wasn’t in the company of Annastacia was in question time in parliament all other times she was standing in camera shot with her. One other alarming situation is apparently the commissioner of police reports to the police minister, that is scary hence no separation of powers at all, where the system originates there is a statutory public body known as His Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary who C.O. P’s (Chief Officers of Police) report to not politicians and vice-versa through the home office.

    Credibility would appear to be on everyone minds just lately as our three so called representatives have broken cover to have their photographs being taken and published with high-ranking police officers, the police minister and a livered police vehicle in association with the announcement of new legislation, to be introduced in parliament regarding the ramming of emergency service vehicles where a sentence of up to 14 years could be imposed. Sounds impressive but over the last 9 years the Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle on conviction carries a 3-year imprisonment sentence one has to wonder how many times that sentence has been passed down and if the legislation is passed, past performance would give some indication as to how many times will a 14-year sentence will be imposed in the future? It would appear now according to the paper jails are busting at the seams so where are all the offenders that this legislation is being targeted at going to be housed providing, they do have imposed on them some form of a custodial sentence. Six billion would have gone a long way to fixing the problem of overcrowding in both adult jails and building some form of meaningful youth detention centres however tunnels seem to be more important. Words sound great actions speak louder, all smoke and mirrors and apparently Mr. Harper is going to have a quiet word in the minister’s ear over the subject obviously on fist name terms.

    Dave T

    • White Mouse says:

      Dave T – The watch houses are overflowing and Police (in charge of watch houses) are screaming at Corrective Services to clear prison beds. Parole is being handed out left, right and centre and sooner or later the wrong person will be released and commit a major crime that will lead to yet another review of the parole process, meaning people will be locked up for longer, the watch houses will be overflowing and police will be screaming at corrective services…

  16. Prince Rollmop says:

    Speaking of horse races, this one is a classic. However I don’t recommend for this to be listened to by those who are ‘woke’ or easily offended. Vale Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, aka Derek and Clive:

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4aSPF9Wq3xw

  17. Frank Abnagale says:

    With the revelations about his university degrees and military service, I’m starting to wonder if Troy Thompson really summitted Mount Everest, won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and rode Might and Power in the 1997 Melbourne Cup.

    • Kenny Kennett says:

      Give him a break Frank, he did two of those three but he didn’t make the weight in the Cup so was substituted at the last minute. By the way I loved his role in the Man from Snowy River; he deserved the Logie he won.

  18. Nostradamus says:

    ‘The most dangerous liars are those who think they are telling the truth’.

    Q. Do we have one in the Townsville Mayors Chair?
    A. My Tom Toms say yep. It’s gunna be a real rough ride!

  19. Nostradamus says:

    ArtyB, ArtyB, where fore art thou? You are coming across as a very smoky cloud in my ball gazing!

  20. Strand Ghost says:

    My Dad told me many moons ago when i was a kid ! if your going to tell lies make sure you have a good memory.

  21. Ducks Nuts says:

    The following question was asked on Mayor Troy Thompson’s Facebook page this afternoon at around 16:55 by a veteran. By 17:15 it had been deleted from view.
    This is not the only question from veterans. If veterans are openly questioning him, they know damn well his claims are bullshit.

    “Surely you understand the scrutiny over your self proclaimed service mate. I haven’t met many Vets that do not still remember their Service/PmKeys number (depending on era). I served for 8.5 years and will never drop that number from my brain. But, for arguments sake, let’s accept that somehow you have forgotten this number. The next question is, according to reports, you served for more than 4 years, which would qualify you for the Australian Defence Medal, plus any other medals you earned during that 4+ years. Why would you not be wearing that on the left side of your chest, opposite your father’s and grandfathers medals? You can call people bullies and disrespectful all you want, but when someone claims service of 4+ years, yet can’t remember a number you used every day and is bare chested at ANZAC Day, the veteran community has every right to ask the question.”

    • The Magpie says:

      Since this gormless galoot has taken a page out of Harpic’s playbook and delete uncomfortable comments,please make sure you get a screen shot of any such for future reference and publishing here if you want.

      • Prickster says:

        I thought Twonames was different to Harpic and committed to transparency, obviously they are quite similar, except Harpic holds real qualifications. Harpic probably has real service medals too.

    • ziptied helmet says:

      I’ve also noticed his facebook page is very sanitised. I’ve not seen a negative comment yet. He’s obviously deleting them as soon as they pop up, or someone is managing his page for him. All of them are praising him. I literally saw one on his ANZAC day post thanking him for his service, hahaha! He must absolutely be loving the fact that he thinks he has the wool pulled over the majority of voters eyes. I did see a comment earlier about the majority of people not reading the bulletin’s article due to lack of readers these days. But how is the average person going to wake up to him?

      I have to admit, when i first started looking into this fiasco recently, I brought into a lot of Troy’s nonsense. But after finding this group and reading a few of Magpie’s articles it has opened my eyes. I feel like an absolute idiot, like how someone feels when they realise they’d just been scammed. Surely there’s got to be a few people in the community who feel the same way?? What else annoys me is there simply weren’t enough good candidates to vote for either, and there wasn’t enough reporting on Troy to begin with. He is like a virus that’s been floating around the environment for a while just waiting for an unsuspecting organism unlucky enough to brush past it, and then bam, he’s injected his viral DNA into all of us and now we’re all infected.

      His deleting of negative of facebook comments and refusal to give any evidence just flys so far in the face of his open and transparent nature, and it truly makes me mad that he’s getting away with it.

    • ziptied helmet says:

      I just saw a new post of his where he toured a visiting crusie ship today. There’s a comment calling Troy out for his military claims.

      Post url: https://www.facebook.com/TroyThompsonforMayor/posts/pfbid02JDJru7WGC95RdVL4tk1rD65wjupdoQMT88GRs9z8kA4PgN2QGXaohitxAWNQQG8Sl

      Post blurb:
      WELCOME – SCENIC ECLIPSE II:
      This 6-star Discovery Yacht was a level of luxury far beyond the standard cruise-liners. With such a warm reception aboard, today we welcomed the Scenic Eclipse II to Townsville for a morning at port.
      With guests visiting Cotters Markets, The Strand and the surrounding areas, we were thrilled to be able to visit with the Captain and the incredible staff, particularly Richard who made us all feel part of the experience.
      An amazing ship featuring 7 onboard restaurants, lavish spa facilities, 2 helicopters, a 8 seater submarine, a fully functional gym / yoga center, a boutique store, theatre, relaxing viewing decks, and much more. The bridge was a personal highlight with the opportunity to sit in the captains seat.
      It was a pleasure to tour the ship with Townsville Enterprise, Port of Townsville Limited and Liam Mooney for Division 9. We truly appreciated your hospitality.



      #welcometotownsville #mayortroythompaon #sceniceclipse #townsvilleenterprise #portoftownsville #townsvilleshines #welcome #scenic #luxurytravel

      Screenshots of the comments: https://imgur.com/a/lujWTvA

      • Grumpy says:

        Zippy – complete with the usual swag of selfies and pictures of food. Swaggering, juvenile twat.

        • Ziptied helmet says:

          Yes. There was a comment pointing out to Troy that they appreciate he’s posting these amazing events he’s going to eith all the food pics and stuff, but can be start posting things about what he’s actually doing to help the community.
          He responded saying that these events are helping him to make connections/network with other organisations that will benefit the town. But I think he’s tone def and doesn’t know how to portray it on social media properly maybe?

      • Ziptied helmet says:

        As anticipated, those comments have now been deleted.

  22. Achilles says:

    This pretender as a fit and proper person to be Townsville’s Mayor is the epitome of Sir Wally Scott’s; “Oh! what a tangled web we weave, when we first practice to deceive.”

  23. Thompson Twins says:

    You lot are nothing short of silly old men. Hanging out on this blog whinging and moaning about somebody you don’t even personally know. Get your hands off it and go and get a life.

    • The Magpie says:

      We’d rather go get some facts … and find out why you are so spooked by those facts. This is the Trumpian ploy that has completely fucked America, and The Magpie won’t wear as long as his cloaca points to the ground.

    • Nostradamus says:

      Not all old Twin, nor not all men. You chicken shit, self-indulgent, flog!

    • Bullshit says:

      “somebody you don’t even personally know”!!

      He’s a public figure! He made himself a public figure!

    • Achilles says:

      True, but I also never met Hitler, Dracula, Mother Teresa et al, but I can form an opinion based on others encounters and/or historical records.

  24. Kama says:

    Re horses.
    Sire De Beers. Dam. Sundae Morning

    foal…Tudor Armov.

    Think about it.

  25. M&M says:

    First question
    Do you believe what your being told by your source within TCC.. because you are being set up. Read between the bs

    Second question
    Enjoy your housing commission home on Maggie Island as it will be taken away very soon..

    Third question
    I have never read so much bullshit from a pathetic overweight person. Get a life mate and write some good for a change maybe you might get more readers. Must be a sad lonely life you have bitching about other people

    • The Magpie says:

      To whom are those comments directed? The ‘Pie gets that sort of stuff regularly but the profile is wrong in every respect for the Magpie who doesn’t believe anything until it’s proven, hasn’t been across to Maggie Island in 15 years let alone have the security of a Housing Commission home, and is trim, taut and terrific.

      You’re comment didn’t clue the usual ‘replying to ‘ info, so who was it?

      • Lab Rat says:

        You live on Magnetic Island Magpie? Does this make you MaggiePie? I am over here. Let’s meet up for a game of bowls. I will regale you of how I was in the Army Cadets in Grade 8 and can confidently claim to be a soldier. I also started Uni, but before dropping out earned 6 degrees. I also was an envoy to PNG having visited there and I am sure that I am exactly the sort of person Townsville needs to don the Purple Doonah. Oh, also I have posted on here under two other monikers. This makes me ThreeNames. Fuck this other amateur.

    • Grumpy says:

      Mmmm – what was the question again?

      Seems that The Great Pretender’s gang of numptys has changed tactics.

    • ABS says:

      Even if the Magpie was in a housing commission residence, the mayor has no ability to take that away.

      This comment seems likely to have come from a piqued Troy because it shows a) an authoritarian willingness to abuse power and b) a complete lack of understanding of his office.

  26. Elusive Butterfly says:

    Oh Mr. Pie, yet another week goes by and Mayor Thompson is still your headline act? As much as I admire your work, things are becoming tedious. I mean that with the greatest respect.

    • The Magpie says:

      Nice try … a ‘walk away and forget it, Mrs Kennedy, let’s move on.’
      That’s exactly what this con man and his parroting galahs (not you too surely? … so sad) are counting on, that The Magpie and Nesters will get tired of seeking some honesty from him and just drop it and fade away. Same thing that Jenny Hill, the Townsville Bulletin, TEL, our three hopeless Labor members and so many others have hoped over the past 14 years …. but we didn’t and haven’t gone away, and we’ll stand by our ‘tedious’ record of having made a difference.

      This is a familiar ploy that is used by vested interests everywhere against journalists, and even against public figures who stick with a matter until some light is provided. There even were calls for Rose Batty to put a sock in it, but look at how that issue has developed after years and years, culminating in the mass marches around the nation this weekend. The Magpie is a minor player in a small arena, but the princple is the same – and the Nesters will write whatever needs to be written, ask whatever questions that need to be asked, and will keep writing and asking until we get answers we have a right know.

      Go and read the Bulletin if that’s more your speed.

    • ABS says:

      If the mayor stops stepping on rakes I’m sure this unwanted attention will die down.

    • The Magpie says:

      Noted EB.

    • Bullshit says:

      Ho hum this mayor story sure is tedious isn’t it?

  27. J jones says:

    What was the mayor even doing on the field at the Cowboys Anzac ceremony.
    Watched a lot of footy at the weekend and never saw anyone apart from players and coaches as extras to the servicemen and women

  28. Jeff, Condon says:

    So, it seems agreed that Twonames has to go.
    He’s probably only graduated with diplomas or CertIVs and no degrees. Inside 12 months – new mayoral election. With Fran out of the running, the Mullet will stand again and won’t take anthing for granted this time. Will anyone stand against her?

    Over 12 months and the councillors appoint one of their own. I confess, I don’t know any of them, however, going by the contempt held for all of them by the contributors to this blog over the last six months, they all seem a disreputable lot, unworthy to hold the position. So who would be the least worse?

    At least the Astonisher can go back to reporting on rivetting subjects, such as the best pie shop in town.

    • Tanami Track says:

      Twonames isn’t going anywhere. He got voted in and we are now stuck with him for a couple of years. Welcome to Townsville, the city where repetitive shit leaders are voted in and shit management are employed by Council. Our three state politicians are also deadwood. Townsville attracts second rate leaders. Oh how I weep for my city……

  29. Jenny says:

    ” . . . . .I confess, I don’t know any of them, however, going by the contempt held for all of them by the contributors to this blog over the last six months, they all seem a disreputable lot”.

    Jeff, I would bet that most commenters here do not know any councillors, let alone had any dealings with them. Two councillors were re-elected unopposed – they can’t be that disreputable. Even the Magpie has grudgingly vouched for the credentials of his local member, AMGreaney. And Fran O’Callaghan always had the ‘Nest’s tick of approval.

    So why not take a chance and find a reason (potholes, roadworks, water quality) to contact your local councillor which, in the Condon area – Div4, might be newby, Kristian Price. You probably voted for him without knowing why.

    • The Magpie says:

      The Magpie will make two points,one specific,one general.

      If a councillor is re-elected unopposed, this does not in any way reflect on their reputational standing, it represents a lack of opposition. And there may be multiple reasons for that, not some implied dominance in popularity that scares off potential candidates.

      The other point, Jenny, is not just for you but a reminder to all commenters to ensure you click appropriately so it is clear to whom you are replying. The thread gets all out of shape if you don’t. Thank you.

      • Prickster says:

        The election results did throw up one interesting set of numbers for an unopposed candidate Councillor Suzy Batkovic

        Division 6 was the one that has the most for Hill (2983, 51.62%) and the lowest for TwoNames (2132, 36.89%)

        Batkovic was also the only councillor to call out TwoNames on his move to solely appoint the CEO, that has resulted in the Special Council Meeting at 11:30 tomorrow.

        At least someone has the gut to call out the lies, and lack of transparency.

    • Jeff, Condon says:

      Jenny, you may be right about the other contributors not knowing the city’s coucillors. I have just assumed that their vehement dislike was borne of knowledge that I lacked.

      You’re correct I voted for my councillor as the only alternative to Molachino, of whom I had some knowledge.

      I’ve always thought the other contributors may have grown up in Townsville or, had conducted extensive research into their backgrounds.

      • The Magpie says:

        In a city the size of Townsville, and th size of the division, the majority of voters mark their X based on vague impressions they have received,usually word of mouth. The ‘pie knows this because of the comments he hasalways got about matters in the Nest.

        • Jeff, Condon says:

          So, they voted for the Mullet, Twonames, Harry, Informally (intentionally/accidentally), or not at all. Hmm.

  30. Doug K says:

    Correction:
    I commented yesterday that TCC had the equivalent of 2 full page ads in Saturday’s Bully . In fact, they had only 2 ads:
    – a full page about Anzac Day (two days late, in keeping with the paper’s news coverage)
    – a half page ad about the Cowboys Water Smart promotion (just a couple of weeks after TCC was forced to release water from the dam).
    On an unrelated subject I loved the Prince’s Peter Cook and Dudley Moore skit on horse racing.
    For Piesters who were around in those days, here’s my Pete & Dud favourite:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njK6zQp2Fdk

    • Jenny says:

      Doug, I imagine that the TCC’s Water Smart advertising will be more or less permanent, regardless of the level of water in the dam (currently 95%) or who is running the council. In any case, isn’t it funded by state and federal governments? Speaking of government handouts to media, I noticed during a long movie on SBS last night a barrage of ads about getting to know the Murray-Darling Basin. As if. Thanks Albo.

      • The Magpie says:

        Agree,Jenny. There are many TCC information programs that are and will stay in place and have nothing much to do with the mayor’s office or council meetings. I have a vague idea that there are certain statutory requirements regarding LG provision of public information. And no matter what TwoNames thinks of the paper, it would be the required platform in Townsville.

        The previous mayor, who had more clout than TwoNames ever will, abused the system in this area, particularly around elections times. At least Thompson’s discombobulated ineptness will ensure an end to that rort.

        • Jenny says:

          Fortunately, there’s a preexisting administration at TCC whose job is to track all these state and federal funds even if the councillors don’t have a clue. Their job is also to cultivate, facilitate and energise those symbiotic relationships with the media in a way that benefits all the parties. There’s plenty in it for the media but they have to kiss ass too, some of the time. And there’s no shortage of skeletons in closets.

        • Echochamber says:

          There’s been a bit of talk on here about how the Local Government Act may derail Two Names’ attempted stonewalling of the Bulletin. An albeit very quick search of the LG Act only makes two references to newspapers. One relates to an obligation on the Local Government Minister and the one that relates to the Local Government itself speaks only of the need for them to publish a particular notice in “a newspaper that is circulating generally throughout the State”. So, could it be published on the Courier Mail? In most other instances it talks of the Local Government publishing in a gazette, on their website or “in other ways the council considers appropriate”. I’m not exactly sure the Council are as compelled to publish stuff in the Bulletin as some may think. At least that’s my take on it. And section 170 speaks to the Mayor’s ability to issue directions to the CE, and it ain’t nothing.

          Now if we all agree that advertising was wielded by Jenny as a version of Damocles Sword, held above the head of Cas Garvey by a thread from the purple doona, then if the protection racket isn’t going to work for Two Names why wouldn’t this bozo at least attempt to tell the new CE to stop it? And the pitch from Two Names could go something along the lines of “The TCC Facebook page has 58 thousand “subscribers” so let’s, in the interests of the prudent and efficient use of ratepayer’s money, stop the duplication and forego the advertising in the Bully. You know, for the sake of the ratepayers”. His acolytes would probably lap that shit up as a demonstration of his commercial acumen gained through his multiple degrees and military service.

          • The Magpie says:

            That one’s going to just one of the many lawyers’ picnic our warrior academic will bring to the office.

    • The Third Reader says:

      One of the best comedic sketches of all time, Mr Spigot, with the best line ever,
      “I have nothing against your right leg, trouble is, neither do you.” Genius.

  31. Prickster says:

    The consequences of lying about university qualifications and military service seem to be clear.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-29/disgraced-former-wa-mp-barry-urban-behind-bars/100579380

    • Jatzcrackers says:

      Good stuff Prickster, great to see this dill get nailed. The problem Townsville has is that old Troy T is a seasoned conman and liar so he’s very up on how far he can lie and by not providing any photos/evidence of his uni/military qualifications, can be really nailed down.
      It appears that a CCC inquiry re his claims and experience in matters or constant pressure by the media (c’mon Astonisher, keep going) and public will eventually bring this lying clown to heel.
      As Pie has mentioned earlier, this bloke ain’t giving up easy particularly on $250K a year which is most likely more than he’s ever experienced !
      The ball of truth is starting to roll and the wave of questions won’t stop in order for Twonames to slink away into the night !

      • The Magpie says:

        One of the more interesting and amusing things is the total giveaway ineptness of those ‘defending and excusing’ him. It is so obvious as to be childish, and the saddest part is that many post by some names are clearly either personally written by, or dictated by, the man himself. And others are certainly from his partner. Love to know what her educational/public service/political affiliations are … you can say it’s none of our business, but when you’ve got the the pillow of the con man, it suddenly becomes our business. Wonder if she’s a MyPlace rotating head.

        • Jatzcrackers says:

          Furthermore Pie, several of my military friends have looked at the photos on several media sites of Twonames at the weekends Cowboys footy game. In particular the stance of members on the field during ANZAC recognition. The voice is clear…No serving member, past or present would stand in the ‘grab the balls hold’ instead of at attention, for the recognised part of the ceremony as witnessed by TwoNames stand.
          Plain and simple, the man is a liar and a fraud and his blinded by bullshit supporters are either blind, dumb or both !

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Ms Blythe used to work for The Computer Workshop Group as their social media manager. That position is now vacant: https://au.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=8c21063a843a3063

          She’s now running his Facebook page which is why it’s so fucking unprofessional, clumsy and littered with selfies, photos of food and fucking hashtags.

          She is also multi level marketer involved in selling weightloss potions from this organisation. And I know everyone will be shocked to discover, sells the amazing second watch worn by TwoWatches Thompstain.

          https://partner.co/shop/product/pulse-performance-band-and-pulse-web

          https://www.facebook.com/share/p/SenfeWCeBXB2yahz/?mibextid=oFDknk

          • Ziptied helmet says:

            So they’re both charlatans. Those watches are insanely expensive. Rediculous.

          • Bullshit says:

            The watch that he promoted on the mayoral facebook feed???

          • Grumpy says:

            Zippy – not only expensive, but debunked as being in the same category as healing crystals. I seem to remember (but cannot find) Australian Sceptics doing an expose on them.

          • The real ziptied helmet says:

            Yes, Bullshit. It’s the same watch he showed off on him Facebook feed. He claims that eagle eyed followers noticed he was wearing two watches. What a load of bullshit. He was subtly trying to market them.

          • Burnt Brows says:

            That watch I would say is based on Peter Brock’s famous “energy polarizer” box he put into cars. I think the crystals gave the cars a magical mystical power source to make them faster than a Ferrari driven by Jenny Hill down Ross River Road. The FB page suggests this is the power behind an epilepsy cure and how he won the Mayoral election.

  32. Kenny Kennett says:

    Pot/Kettle- We have a bunch of nut jobs calling out this blog for creating stories that aren’t true. How dare we state the obvious. Kind of like a conspiracy theorist would. Does that ring a bell to any of you fruit loopy deniers? There’s got to be a cunning plan behind your denial; perhaps to all sneak in to the Walker street offices one night and take over Townsville. A sort of Wooden horse of Troy type plan.

  33. Ziptied helmet says:

    If you chums want a jolly good laugh, take a scroll through the comments section of his recent post, https://www.facebook.com/61555765074895/posts/pfbid0EfffywsuLjgs67xiDJ8V1jVqAhhhc7DAizv2B9wGs6LD4SJTF8fNvB4EkJVjfmJal/?app=fbl

    • Rotten Luck Willie says:

      Good grief, sacrin sweet gumph from the shallow end of the gene pool. This Kim Jung Un North Korean style adoration is as false as it is clumsy. This has to lead to a Net Flicks series rivaling Peaky Blinders.

  34. Ducks Nuts says:

    Thanks to ziptied helmet for the imgur idea.

    Thompson’s LinkedIn prior to the recent sanitisation
    https://imgur.com/a/pobP8rY

    Thompson’s military claim thaks to a lovely lady who has persistently questioned him to no avail
    https://imgur.com/a/P13oayx

    And a comment from someone revealing that 105 never existed in Perth because it was created in Darwin.
    https://imgur.com/a/3Vmjpx8

    • Burnt Brows says:

      There is no mistaking what Birnbrauer published on his LinkedIn profile – clearly states Bachelors of Commerce and a Bachelors of Science. And he did five years of study in one and another three years the other, for no result?????

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      No worries. There’s heaps of of those free ‘dump’ sites out there to dump images hoards of text…ect you can make it public or only accessible via the link as well.

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      After viewing your screenshots of his LinkedIn profile, it still blows my mind why on earth he would have deleted it all if he didn’t have anything to hide. Surely no honest and genuine (fit and proper person) would do that

    • Bullshit says:

      I wonder where LocalEnforcer went

      “On the topic of Mayor Thompson’s educational background, he has always been transparent about his studies. He never claimed to hold degrees from the universities he attended”

    • Southern Comfort says:

      Sorry, not a fan of Imgur, but thanks so much for putting up his LinkedIn Bio. One job missing from when he got back to Townsville in 2018 is his work with an outfit called RMT, an IT Managed Service Provider. I don’t know the full details, but I’ve been led to believe that things ended badly there. Anyone know more about this more local gig?

      • The real ziptied helmet says:

        Very interesting thanks for sharing. Has he ever left a place that hasn’t ended badly? I mean this guy’s history is a dumpster fire by the sounds of it. No wonder why he’s so cagey and wants “to stop living in the past and just move forward”.

      • Doja_Cat says:

        Twonames time with RMT was scrubbed from his linkedin profile very soon after his departure. It was during his time here the Community ASA pipe dream was born. He absolutely BBQ’d himself. There is no way he wanted any sort of professional or personal references to come from his time with RMT.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          I note that his ex wife Joanne Birnbrauer was a board member of Community ASA

          • The Magpie says:

            That’s another can of worms that is yet to unfold … and is another reason we should keep a close eye on any moves he makes to involve the council furtherwith any Illich Park development. One Magpie contact suggests that Thompson managed to get Ms Birbbauer, then his ex, onto the board of ASA without any reference to their former relationship, which was apparently not known to others. The Magpie assumes this low level game playing all unravelled when he was kicked out of One Notion and the Birnbauer name was connected to him. That last part is pure speculation, but nevertheless, his blokes loveliness knows no bounds.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Mayor Thompson has outdone himself again in his transparency.

            “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE MAYOR

            • 5:30am – Arrive to work, work through correspondence,
            schedules, and meetings for the day.
            • 7:00am – Medical Management – Epilepsy chat and Plan
            • 8:00am – Discussion with my EA for the day ahead
            • 9:00am – NQROC – Meeting of NQ Mayors and executive teams
            • 1:00pm – Meeting with Senator Rennick
            • 2:00pm – Councillor Workshops and Training
            • 4:00pm – Preparation for weekend events and activities with EA
            • 5:30pm – Private function”

            No one gives a flying fuck about his private medical issues. He should deal with them and get on with business, like the rest of us. 0 brownie points awarded.

            And of all the wankstains to meet with he chooses Rennick? The far right nutter who has been dropped by the LNP for the 2025 senate pre-selection.

          • The Magpie says:

            Once again, in a typical con man ploy, this twisting weasel seeks to use medical conditions as some sort of hero badge ‘soldiering on despite all this’ type of tearjerker. Just as he described himself as a ‘cancer survivor’ in a campaign post. Both possibly true – the epilepsy is, he even posted a video of having an attack – but both matters are irrelevant to his position, and are very private matters that did not require public revelation.

            So Thompson has a wide discretion in his ideas about privacy, not willing to openly share those things we are entitled to know, and seeking sympathy for matters we don’t or need to know about. Here’s one solution: hire Harpic as an ‘advisor’ to be around to assist if he has a seizure … but the ex-ambo won’t be available until late October.

            It is increasingly unlikely there will be any happy ending to the Thompson fairytale.

          • Bob Roberts says:

            I think it’s fine to mention his epilepsy, he’s not making too big of a deal of it so far, and he copped some flak in the comments here for not mentioning it previously!

          • The Magpie says:

            The ‘Pie, who sees all comments before publication (or otherwise) does not recall anyone suggesting he should have previously mentioned his epilepsy, but he himself agreed to have a video posted of apparently him suffering an episode in a shopping centre some time previously. Epilepsy is a condition which can be controlled and managed, but does not appear to be a condition conducive to the stressful role of a civic leader.
            From Wiki:
            Epilepsy happens as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity, also known as a seizure, kind of like an electrical storm inside your head. And because your brain controls so much, a lot of different things can go wrong. You may have periods of unusual behaviors, feelings and sometimes loss of awareness. Most people with epilepsy live a full life. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.

            Not sure what ‘living safely’ means.

  35. Southern Comfort says:

    An interesting Wikipedia article on the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. In the section on structure, you can see clearly listed the units that are Regular Army, those that are Army Reserve, and those that are Special Operations Command.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_Corps_of_Signals

    As TwoNames is now adamant he was a Reservist and not Regular Army (no shame in that distinction, either is perfectly respectable and to be applauded), I find it difficult for him to lay claim to anything other than service in the 109th as being Army Reserve. The other 2 units he claims to have served with, the 105th and 152nd, are clearly not units that take Reservists. I’m assuming for very logical reasons, such as security clearances and operational deployments, especially overseas.

    And should he have served in those units, with clearances, overseas deployments, specialist training and advanced certification, these would be wonderful inclusions on his Resumé or his Official Council Biography.

    Looking forward to hearing him “clear these questions up”.

    • The Magpie says:

      There’d be a ribbon or service medal or two as well, one would imagine, for the Thompson tit(left one of course).

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      Keep in mind back when he claims he served, the structure of those units could have been different to what’s referenced in your article Now?

  36. Burnt Brows says:

    Even if Birnbrauer has his own medals, he still needs a chest to pin them on ……..

  37. Colon Cleanser says:

    Only 11 days to go until Ralston packs up his desk and leaves for good. Hip hip hooray! Staff are eagerly awaiting the announcement of who the interim CEO will be. We’ve heard it might be dung-puncher James Ashby. Anybody else heard that?

    • The Magpie says:

      No but there will be one pair of parents keen to have a talk to him if he’s coming back to infest Townsville.

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      Now that’s funny – dung puncher. Haven’t heard that terminology in years. Probably not politically correct these days. I hope the fun police don’t start crying.

    • Not on your Nelly Bay says:

      Unlikely that Ashby will be brought up – this is surely just the self-aggrandising rantings of Two Names. Ashby has been preselected as One Notion’s candidate for Keppel, which he has a good chance of winning.

  38. Grumpy says:

    Oh, dear me. Troy’s off to the headmaster’s office.

  39. Elusive Butterfly says:


    Lead article on the Courier Mail’s website and also prominent on Melbourne’s Herald Sun site, Mr. Pie.
    Our boy could be in a little bit of trouble!
    Has Jenny called in some favours??

    Not sure this link will work for everybody.

    https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/troy-thompson-townsville-mayor-pressed-on-military-claims-during-anzac-week/news-story/5a26b21c1698d23b0419ceb7a675f0c3

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      EB, the Courier Snail has once again beaten Lighton Smith to the punch.

      Somebody please remind me why we have local newspapers. Aha, yes I forgot, to give Harvey Norman an advertising platform. Roger that.

      • The Magpie says:

        Not correct. That’s a Townsville Bulletin story, co-written by three TB staff including editor Cas Garvey, Cameron ‘Master’ Bates and Chris Burns who has put on his big pants name Christopher for this stellar exposure.

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      Oh snap. buckle up. Honestly, I believe he was in the reserves at some point, however, for not as long as he claims and possibly not in all the units he says. Pauline knew this would happen with him and dodged a bullet. He always claimed he left one nation after a realising he wasn’t a party person but a true independent at heart. He is what they refer to in the military as a ‘Gob shite’.

    • Bullshit says:

      I think there are enough people in town outraged by all this that you don’t need to invoke Jenny

    • ABS says:

      He said 45 minutes ago: “Paul O’Neill exactly that, carry on. I have been asked for detail, so I have formally requested it from department of defence, it takes a few weeks I’m informed, media is media.”

      Should be easy for him to provide proof that he made the request and isn’t just stalling for a few weeks of free canapés before he’s forced to resign.

    • The Magpie says:

      No one has whispered it yet, so let The Magpie be the first to ask: could a vote of no confidence by councillors be in the offing? Are councillors hitting the phones, and networking the possibility? High flown talk about CCC getting involved, or the Office of the Independent Assessor, even if it eventuates, would take months if not years to reach any sort of ruling.

      We’re not quite to the stage of ‘not if but when’ but to avoid greater damage, there should be someone of good standing and intelligence out there out there preparing to stand for office, because if Thompson falls within a year, there will be a new election for mayor. After a year, it’s councillors electing one of their own number … well hello, Mayor Jacob?

      And think on this …. if TwoNames is turfed, what is the likelihood of Jenny chancing her arm again, arguing that ‘see, I wasn’t the worst option after all’.

      • Jenny says:

        Magpie, since the ECQ held a separate election for mayor there would be strong resistance to any attempt by jumped-up ordinary councillors to throw out our democratically elected choice. However, there are other mechanisms.

        • The Magpie says:

          Not sure what you mean. If TwoNames is given the elbow within a year, there is a fresh election for the mayoral position only. The councillors remain as elected representatives.

          And ‘jumped up’?
          Merriam Webster
          jumped-up in English
          behaving as if you are very important in your job or position, especially because you used to be in a much lower position

          Really? Elected councillors are ‘jumped up’?

          • Jenny says:

            What I meant was: what would be the effect of a vote of no confidence? If you thought that such a vote could or would result in the mayor being turfed out because the other councillors didn’t like or want him then I’m sure you would be mistaken. We elected the mayor, not the other councillors (well actually, I didn’t personally vote for him but thousands did).

          • The Magpie says:

            No, a no confidence motion cannot remove a mayor from office, but it sends a very clear message to that person, and would normally result in a resignation. However, Thompson is not normal – in every sense, in The ‘Pie’s opinion – and will cling to his quarter of a mill office for dear life. Most likey for that reason, he may become docile and possibly The Angry Ant Jacob would call the shots as ersatz mayor. If the council cannot function because of dissension,the minister can act, declaring a council has to come under an administrator.

        • ABS says:

          If anyone is jumped up it’s Mayor Thompson who continually cloaks himself in his mayoral robes to shield himself from criticism and portray the act of answering questions as beneath him.

  40. Kenny Kennett says:

    Mr Mayor, it was written on one of your historical experience sites that you were a volunteer for Camp Quality from Jan 2010 to present. Can you tell us what you did with them and where you volunteered. I had a couple of friends who were volunteers with CQ and they can’t remember you.

  41. Dis Troy says:

    What’s with this report that Twonames has announced a statue of Assange?

    (From the comments: Wonderful news. Thank you to the mayor for this excellent initiative.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_dZGwwW5kM

    From Consortium News, it’s been uploaded to the IA.

    Who’s he serving?

    • The Magpie says:

      This is one of those instances where a modest and quite reasonable proposal is blown out of all proportion.

      Apparently the main proponent is Balgal artist (also apparently) Alison Mason – who (also apparently) uses the same hairdresser as Jenny Hill. She and others behind the idea are making silly, juvenile claims about its value to the city, attracting visitors ‘from all over Australia’ to visit Townsville.

      The point of that nonsense is of course to convince the Townsville Council to partly or wholly fund the whole thing (probably, we learn, by an overseas artist).

      Our accidental mayor also says it will be a big attraction ‘if done right’, whatever that means. This from a recent story on the issue.

      A group lobbying for Townsville to become the home of a Julian Assange statue has garnered the support of the city’s new mayor.
      The group has proposed the statue be built on The Strand, overlooking Magnetic Island, with a number of people already signing the petition.
      Mayor Troy Thompson said he supported an Assange statue being built but said it would require further consultation and investigation.
      “It is my personal belief, that a plaque or statue may be a great talking point and potentially, attract many visitors to Townsville, if done correctly, but that is something for discussion and consultation with the community and then the chamber for discussion and investigation, should the case stack up,” Mr Thompson said.
      “I have not announced any project as this is a matter for council to review first and foremost.”

      The last couple of lines are the smartest thing goofy has said since taking office … he doesn’t want to take any fallout for this expenditure of ratepayer funds, so he’ll let everyone else have a say.
      As he should.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        I’m assuming this is a professional headshot feom the promotional material.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        This just shared by someone on Thompson’s page

        https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8dZ2-Twl74c

      • The Magpie says:

        Overheard telephone conversation in Melbourne:
        Hello, Florrie, Mavis here, just calling to see if you and Bert want to join me and Trev on a trip to Townsville to see the exciting new Julian Assange statue. We’ve been talking of nothing else since that clever new mayor commissioned it. when he worked out how to do it right. Yes, yes, I know it’s a long way, and yes, it’ll cost us a few thousand, but think of the tales we will be able to tell when we come back. So, you and Bert coming along, Mavis? Mavis, you still there? Mavis? ”

  42. Joaney says:

    I noticed the Panthers had a big MyPlace written across their jerseys -
    Wonder how the company would feel about the fb mob MyPlace using the same name. Do similar rules apply as in the “real’ world?

  43. Ziptied helmet says:

    Whats also frustrating, is to think how this could effect the recruitment of a decent CEO. Do you think they’d even get someone decent who would want to be part of a dysfunctional council?

  44. Michael says:

    If the new mayor has lied or made a mistake. Do you seriously think that no one else in the public office lies or makes mistakes. Have you ever been in a position to find out the extent of corruption in this country.?
    FOR FUCK SAKE! GIVE HIM A GO.

    • The Magpie says:

      The old ‘they’re all doin’ it, why single out Thompson?’ line. That’s simply stupid, and the rest of the comment is incomprehensible.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      Actually there are real world impacts of when lies and mistakes happen. And when left to fester, they can be horrific. As far as I can see the Nest and the Pie have just been a small haven for challenging a man who received too little scrutiny, and now has too much stupid combined with gumption. Now the story is spreading, and it will no longer be the preserve of either the Bulletin or the Magpies Nest (sorry Malcolm). Sunlight is the best disinfectant, even Trump said so (God help us).

      Oh, and something to watch, this doesn’t look like a mistake, it looks like a lie getting out of hand:
      https://youtu.be/8dZ2-Twl74c

      • The Magpie says:

        Why apologise for the story spreading? That is the whole idea of The Magpie’s Nest, putting things out there in the smallest way in the hope that other players with more reach take up on issues.

        In this case, The nest readership have done their bit, and will no doubt continue to.

    • Bob Roberts says:

      That should have been his slogan: “Politics in this country is full of corruption. Give Troy Thompson a go!”

  45. Grumpy says:

    In the best possible news for Australia, Sogavare has pulled out of the PM race in the Solomon Islands.

  46. Echochamber says:

    From Two Name’s latest Facebook post “I cannot give what I do not have”. I have a feeling he’ll be using that line again soon enough. And of course he’s telling everyone it’s time to move on and focus on the future. Muppet.

    And I wonder how Phil Thompson feels getting dragged into this shit. He must be well pleased.

    • ziptied helmet says:

      Well, he’s yet to explain/show evidence of his university degrees, past business dealings/failed ventures. I hope he doesn’t think it was fine to bullshit everyone and then play the victim and brush it all under the rug. Where the fuck is the accountability.

    • Kingdom of Troy says:

      A reliable source tells me that Phillip Thompson MP has sent Troy Thompson FL some formal’ cease and desist type correspondence in the wake of TwoNames’ TB claim that MP Thompson helping him track down his service record.

  47. Edgar Allan Poe says:

    Heavy lies the crown my dear.
    by Two Names Thompson.

    Heavy lies the crown my dear-
    I’ll be home a little late
    Pleas leave me pills on the counter
    Because the wolves are at the gate.

    I’ll probably need to skip tomorrows
    Breakfast/brunch review
    All that sourdough plus my lap-band
    Is making it hard to pooh.

    And right now toilets breaks in here
    Have been the the highlight of my day,
    That and chilling with my bro
    Oh- Kurt said to say “Gday.”

    He’s let me use his brill cream
    And has been working on my fringe
    No wonder he’s known at the LGAQ
    As Townsville’s King of Minge.

    He doesn’t judge me- which I love
    And seems so keen to please
    He couldn’t give a flying fuck
    That I lied about my degrees.

    He’s gonna hook me up he said
    With some “legit” war medals real soon-
    We’re gonna have a boys night in –
    get pizzas and watch Platoon.

    “If anyone asks” he whispered-
    “About your service history,
    Tell them focus on the future- not the SAS, or multiple DV”.

    “Look at me” he said with a flashy smile
    That filled me with elation.
    “Without this job I’d be washing tires
    For the boys at the fire station”.

    I reckon he’ll be fkn ace
    At our next backyard soirée
    You can make that awesome cob loaf dip
    And tease Liam about loving ballet.

    Just keep an eye on the Bulletin
    And that nasty Garvey bitch
    I’m sure she’s being fed Info
    From that Giantess Batkovic

    Oh it’s been a long day my dear
    And I hate so to complain
    But all these accusations
    Are wreaking havoc on my brain!

    Let’s focus on the future hey?
    Why focus so much on me?
    Everyone’s got a history right?
    Mental health, bankruptcy, DV?

    People they just love to dig and dig
    And poke around like rats
    My pledge on transparency was only meant
    To apply to the bureaucrats!

    Heavy lies the crown my dear
    But hey at least I’m making money
    there’s a place for you
    I’m sure , my dear
    in the land of milk and honey

    Once that lawyer Tony Bligh
    is Banished into his pension
    I’ll appoint you director of transparency –
    And you can delete my Facebook mentions!

  48. Inspector Clouseau says:

    Two-bit Thompson’s military record:

    If it exists, our Federal member Phil should be able to expedite the search, as he is the Federal Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel, amongst other shadow ministries.

    This is a priority given Two-bits claims; we can then move on to the lies about university degrees.

  49. Doug K says:

    Anyone know what punishment Twonames could receive if found guilty?

    • Grumpy says:

      It’s up to the Minister, I think. And the rest of the councillors may put up a no confidence vote, which would force the Ministers hand.

      • The Magpie says:

        And at the moment, that seems the most likely course, but TCC councillors are not known for guts. At least not over the last 12 years.

      • Jenny says:

        Grumpy, the minister is likely to wait for a report from the Independent Assessor.

        “The Independent Assessor (IA) is the head of the Office of the Independent Assessor.

        The IA is accountable to the Minister for Local Government and is not subject to direction by another person in regard to exercising the IA’s powers under the Local Government Act 2009 (LG Act).

        The OIA was established under the Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018 as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to local government reform.

        The IA’s functions and powers include:

        to assess complaints about councillors of a conduct breach, misconduct or corrupt conduct when such complaints are referred to the OIA by the CCC
        to refer suspected conduct breaches back to councils to resolve
        to investigate misconduct complaints
        to undertake a natural justice process to give councillors an opportunity to respond to complaints before possible referral to the Councillor Conduct Tribunal (CCT) which decides misconduct matters
        to prepare applications for hearing by the CCT
        OIA investigative powers are available for misconduct investigations and the investigation of statutory offences
        to investigate other matters as decided by the Minister and any other functions given to the IA under the LG Act.”

        Which begs the question: what happens about stuff that happened before the person actually became a councillor?

        • The Magpie says:

          A very good point.Does the OIA cover the campaign of those who are ultimately elected?

          Who administers the ECQ’s rules?

    • Jeff, Condon says:

      Well, first offence? Crucifixon.

    • CB says:

      I’m not sure. What usually happens in witch hunts when the witch is caught?

  50. ABS says:

    Our mayor, international man of mystery Troy Thompson, has posted on Facebook that he “couldn’t buy a headline before”. That’s not true, he got a headline when he broke his promise on rates, another one when his ban on entering state parliament was lifted, and another one when his secret ballot ploy was voted down.

    • The Magpie says:

      And even before all that, when in 2020 he promised if funding was available for an Illich Park ‘community centre’ development with pokies, gaming and booze, he would guarantee a ‘$12m profit in the first year’. It’s a wonder the Cowboys management didn’t snap him up to improve their bottom line to those heights.

      BTW if he hangs around in Walker Street for a while, best we keep an eye on any revived moves in Illich Park … the idea smacks of pushy mates and hidden agendas.

  51. Prince Rollmop says:

    Union lap poodle and chief smiler Steven Miles, has promised an extra 900 cops and a strengthening of crime laws. It will be interesting to see what else he promises in the lead up to the October election.

    • The Magpie says:

      Just where does he think he’s going to get 900 new cops, recruitment is through the floor. God help us if cop standards are lowered enough to allow those no-neck, no-brain security goons who are rejected at th to start policing us.

      • Not running for mayor says:

        Magpie, do you have a copy of the advert for the no brain ,no neck security goons? Asking for a friend in local government who might be out of work soon. He says he has some SAS experience.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Honestly don’t know where he thinks he’s gonna get 900 from. But at least he’s out there with a plan. I see nothing from the LNP yet. And yes, they might be able to sit there and say nothing and swoop in at the end and win, (highly likely) But I remain sceptical. Look how well that has worked out for Townsville. I want policies. I want to hear and read what they stand for and what they promise to do if elected.

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        Good point Ducks landing gear, I noticed over the last few months an increase from Qld State Gov indicating $100k start up wage for those who choose to join the Boys in Blue. Perhaps they’ve managed to collar a thousand or so wannabes to take on the full recruitment program.
        I’m aware that ADF only take on approx 10% of recruits who apply so the QPS may appear to be lower.
        Perhaps there’s an opportunity for Troy Twonames to expand his impress portfolio and become a part time walloper post Mayoral stint !

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        Ducky, I agree, 900 is a big number. They are losing around 6 cops per week to resignations. They are barely keeping up with a minimum number, let alone an increase. And we don’t know if that 900 is all foot soldiers or if they anre administrative rolls thrown in to that total figure?

    • Rotten Luck Willie says:

      I am disappointed that detention is still the last resort. As such more police and helicopters will only accelerate the rate of ‘catch and release’.
      Furthermore, no mention of parental responsibilities. Bill Leak got it right time and time again.

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        Watch for a change in detention as last resort. Bullock will issue SMiles a new directivè very soon to amend the legislation in a last desperate attempt to cloing on to power.

    • C. Howett Fields says:

      Cops (or lack of) are NOT the problem. They could hire another 9,000, or 90,000, but it won’t do any good if the maggots just keep getting released (thereby demoralising the police who have to keep collaring the same ones again and again, and again). I.T.J.Y – It’s The Judiciary, Y’all!!

      • The Magpie says:

        You have a point …one made in The Nest continually.

        But on the other side of that coin, taxpayers mustn’t whinge when they have to forego something or other so there’s money to build more jails.

        • Prickster says:

          Governments need to stop band-aid, short-term solutions to fix the statistics and change the whole way of thinking.

          Call out things for what they are:
          – The children committing these crimes were victims themselves of horrific trauma from prior sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or having been exposed to family violence.

          Let’s see if the Mile Labor Government can get their newly created Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute to tackle this issue first.

        • The Eye says:

          Great

          We’ll scrap the Olympics and build prisons

          • The Magpie says:

            Go with the first, but want something for The Bruce Dieway, too, but yeah, prisons are the only answer at the moment, social programs are way too late to work for most of these anti-social snots. Educating parents should be on the cards for indigenous leaders … don’t squeal racist at The ‘Pie, 98% of these little pricks are black. Fact.

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        Magistrates get their directions from the Chief Magistrate, who receives his from the AG. Anyone who still believes in the separation of powers has to be dreaming.

        Clear, firm legislation was needed on kiddie crime and that was abolished in June, 2016.

        As I predicted this morning, Bullock is leading SMiles by his balls in a last attempt to keep the state under union control.

  52. Jenny says:

    Contacts on Maggie Island tell me that the new mayor will be present at this Saturday’s monthly meeting of the local residents and ratepayers association. The open meeting, at the RSL hall in Arcadia at 10am (gold coin entry), has been a regular haunt of the previous mayor and continuing divisional councillor (Greaney) as well as state and federal members. Then-candidate Troy Thompson spoke there at the March meeting alongside other candidates.

  53. Critical says:

    I think the additional police numbers came from this document released today.

    Timely release just 6 months from the election.

    https://www.qld.gov.au/about/community-safety

  54. Choking on Cubic Defence Garbutt Emissions. says:

    Everyone who works in Garbutt, and in particular who works outside, knows what its like to have your head swimming in a muggy heatwave, your boots swimming in the rain, and the relief when it hits late April early May when it cools down and dries out and almost makes working enjoyable.

    For the last couple of weeks, Cubic defence at 342 Baywater Rd Garbutt has spoiled all that for all the workers in the entire area down wind as it blows towards Duckworth st. Its all through the sheds too. They have been emitting a foul burnt plastic smelling smoke from the PVC chimneys that are atop this container like shed full of pumps and stuff. (Forwarded pics supplied) https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bayswater+Rd,+Garbutt+QLD+4814/@-19.2741867,146.7632042,45m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x6bd5f9c07ec9aa3f:0x83eec1fd015d0859!8m2!3d-19.2739936!4d146.7634121!16s%2Fg%2F11bw4mnmdr?entry=ttu

    Its sometimes all day, makes you nauseous, gives you a head ache and makes your head swim. It hurts the lungs too and coats the throat. Its like being chained to a plastic incinerator.

    Everyone has the right to work without getting poisoned. Its not us who have to stop work and lose money. They have to stop because it’s a crime.

    S245(2) of the Qld code says it’s a crime to directly or indirectly assault someone with a noxious substance or Oduor https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1899-009#sch.1-sec.245
    S23 denies you a defence if you have knowledge you are doing it https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1899-009#sch.1-sec.23

    It is also covered in s14 and 16 of The Qld EPA Act https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1994-062#ch.1-pt.3-div.2-sdiv.3

    The offences are in s437-440 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1994-062#ch.8-pt.3 Jail time there too.

    Yesterday and Today (30-4-24) they had that shed open and marqees set up for the fellas sitting at the table with a laptop connected to it. They brought in a sweeper truck for their drive way that also sprayed water on the shed back and forth. This made it all airborne and all the sheds in the area also breathed in this brown mist. Its no accident. They just don’t seem to give a fuck.

    Cubic is a defence contractor and a protected species. They have donated $42.9 k to Qld Labor since 2019 through their transportation name https://disclosures.ecq.qld.gov.au/Map . This is mentioned on its website https://www.cubic.com/cubic-defense-australia (note yank spelling) So , What do you think the EPA is gonna do without a push ? A. It begins with “Sweet” and ends in “FA”.

    They should have self reported to the EPA and the firies s320-320G . There are big fines. See also s326-327 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1994-062#ch.7-pt.1-div.2-sdiv.2

    The council is under an obligation to report it to the EPA now too , got 20 days. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1994-062#sec.320DB

    • Cluden Axe says:

      Not wanting to tell you how to suck eggs, but has anyone (like you maybe) reported it to EPA or Council because without a formal complaint there is not much they can do. Maybe less whinge and more reporting. Just a thought.

  55. Anton Crass says:

    Here is a case from 2013 of 2 brothers faking military history and it went to court. There were a few more , you could search the name ODonoughue in context of faking military history too https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-12/fake-war-veteran-fined-for-brisbane-anzac-march/5153424

    As for the defence medal. It was Latham who first proposed it as opposition leader. No doubt in an attempt to pick up a few votes. Then the Libs picked it up.

    Prior to this, there was no expectation by members of the ADF that other than your honourable discharge certificate, that you would get any other form of recognition unless you were on active service or UN duty. Or a long service medal.

    For many, the mere suggestion even though there is now an entitlement that YOU HAVE TO APPLY FOR , that you can have one -invokes a creepy feeling. There have been generations since where it’s normal. It just wasn’t back then. There is no forgetting a Reg number. It was written on everything including packs so you can pick them from a pile. You had to memorise your rifle number too. You can forget that but not your reg number.

    • Bagwhan says:

      Can’t forget your rifle number either, my first SLR was 6703952, my second was 8080568….useful these days that I can remember that along with REGT number, but I’m always messing up my mobile number,

  56. Usually a lurker says:

    Where is the Mayors register of interests? How come he hasn’t put it on the councils website yet? The other new kids have. If you claim you’re bringing back transparency wouldn’t you make it a priority before the first meeting even? How can one know if he is managing any conflicts of interest properly without it. I’m sure not doing the form properly is a pretty serious offence. I recall reading something somewhere a Mayor in trouble about it before but I can’t remember.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      He clearly doesn’t need to answer to the likes of you an I. And the usual rules that apply to ordinary folk don’t apply to him.

      • Yort Nospmoht says:

        Quite right, avert your gaze, peasants!

        • The Magpie says:

          Your a very backward boy.

          • Grammar says:

            and you need a sub editor :)

          • The Magpie says:

            I wish … what The ‘Pie needs is one of those ‘advisors’ to help out with the approx 10,000 words he has to write every week … often in a hurry here in comments. Fat fingers don’t help, as do not the vagaries of the computer world, either, but you know you still love the old bird. Ah … don’t you?

          • Bob Roberts says:

            You should be grateful to our new mayor! I had a look at the number of comments on your posts this year. Before the election they never cracked 200. Since the election they’re all over 300 a week.

  57. The Gremlin says:

    This whole debacle with Troy Conman TwoNames the Stealer of Valour etc etc unfortunately proves one great strength that party politics provides – an additional layer of scrutiny over and above the ECQ.

    Let’s not forget this charlatan was – and ignore his claims otherwise- booted (letters exist) with a sizeable flat heel shoe in his arse from One Nation. We should all accept at this juncture that the power brokers within One Nation took only a shallow dive into this Grifters background and dry retched last nights fish and chips before drowning his mewling political kitten.

    What didn’t happen in our local election- which entertains a broader discussion around the powers that the ECQ probably should have- was any proper screening of Townsville’s no so talented Mr Ripley.

    The Bulletin napped though the whole exercise and as the Pie has reported they have woken up at the wheel all too late.

    It goes without saying our Huckster knew he had zero hope of joining any existing party on the basis they would check his background and hit the EJECT button excitedly with both hands.

    Which leaves independents like himself subject only to the existing rules set out for candidates by the ECQ.

    These are roughly – and I encourage anyone interested to look further- that you cannot be an undisclosed bankrupt for starters.

    Well our civic leader has narrowly qualified for this- it would seem he has comfortably timed his run to greasily slip past this criteria as we all know he most certainly was bankrupt.

    Other criteria included electoral fraud and certain criminal charges which are all now prickly probabilities dangling in the vines amongst the low hanging fruit in the plentiful garden he has found himself in.

    A place that should be preserved- ideally- for someone with clean hands. Here we find ourselves perversely fascinated watching an extra from a yet to be filmed Australian Guy Ritchie movie within reach of all the apples, poisoned or otherwise.

    Given our Gypsy King has only grasped and never gripped on anything in his half century odd innings- it’s nail biting and rather exciting every in the early stages- but I’d rather not see our beautiful city keep making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

    While it will be a popcorn moment to see him fail we really deserve better governance in this regard- and if we are going to see more independent candidates- which should be and could be a really good thing- I reckon the ECQ need to up the anti big time.

    We need a review on the eligibility criteria so that everyday people who turn up to
    Vote and simply want change don’t have to run their own credit checks on the type of character you wouldn’t buy a bicycle off.

    And for those commenters who keep saying give the bloke a chance he’s only new etc I say bullshit.

    Let’s go back to the polls. A bi-election is something we should start talking about seriously and the Councillors (if they exist) who have any morals should start considering a vote of no confidence.

    • Jenny says:

      You said it, Gremlin, ” . . . our civic leader has narrowly qualified for this”. Until someone can narrowly disqualify him there’s no point talking about a bi-election.

      • The Magpie says:

        A ‘bi-election’? Sounds like candidate qualification is restricted to reverse parkers. (Think about it.)

        Anyway,if the Con Man The Barbarian falls, it will be more a bye-bye election rather than a by-election.

    • Cecil from Condon says:

      There are very few criteria’s or standards that a Councillor must meet, to become a Councillor. The majority of elected officials are slippery shysters who have vested interests that pertain to bleeding money from the community. Sycophants and crooks that go about cutting deals and ensuring that mates rates bring financial gain. Most are lying bullshit artists with little to no business experience. They are then put in charge of the city’s finances and billions of dollars worth of infrastructure. It’s a recipe for disaster, that’s why many councils go bust or have insurmountable debt. You might as well place a child or a spastic in charge.

      Occasionally a gem like Fran O’Callaghan comes along, but that is a very rare event. The vast majority of Councillors wouldn’t know a rates bill from a parking fine. There needs to be an overhaul of who becomes a Councillor and they should meet a minimum criteria which includes a history of positive business decision making and a background in finance or business management. The losers we keep inheriting are wrecking our way of life.

      • The Magpie says:

        Not a chance of such restrictions on candidates, and neither there should be. Having just business people – who by definition in a democratic capitalist society have to put profit ahead of everything else – brings its own invitation to collusion, corruption and outright bribery.

        And your blanket character reading of all councillors is way over the top. Many are honest, even if their motivation for serving may vary from the wholly altruistic. The salary and perks are often the sole motive, and then the sin becomes just lazy arm raising.

      • the real ziptied helmet says:

        ‘slippery shysters’
        ‘bleeding money from the community’
        ‘Sycophants and crooks’
        ‘mates rates bring financial gain’
        ‘lying bullshit artists’

        Fuck me. No wonder TwoNames wanted a piece of the action!

  58. Bullshit says:

    “Mr Thompson said it was not his decision for outgoing chief executive Prins Ralston to resign two days after the new council was sworn in”

    “Mr Thompson conceded there was a “clean sweep” from within the executives”

    “There’s lots going on,” Mr Thompson said.

    “That’s got nothing to do with me”

    Troy Thompson supporters what’s going on, you kept touting staff changes as one of his achievements?

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Looks like the he’s finally gotten some professional media management

      This response to the following question on his Facebook page is too well worded, and uses grammar and spelling correctly so therefore cannot possibly be the usual bunch of halfwits managing his social media.

      Q:”Why our rates are so high CEO’s and Advisers! Hopefully you keep this in check?”

      TT Response: “Thanks for your comment Bruce, I have had several of the same questions. The CEO is responsible for 1800 staff and all the liabilities that come with it. I know many CEOs who get paid a lot more, with less liability. That said, advisors are there to advise me, at the moment, without them I have to juggle a day while drawing on staff with plenty to do themselves. Advisors are an integral part of the complexities that are council. They are to an extent independent, to support me with media, levels of government and policy, so they are critical, and to the most part, independent to me. They also support in my absence or on my behalf the deputy mayor and councillors. I too thought why do we need advisors, until I stepped into the role, I did question the mayor Hill when she lead the city, as I thought after 12 years at the helm and 23 years in local government, she should know, but you do need a good team around the head of council.”

      • The Magpie says:

        Certainly the grammar has improved, but the attempts at circling back on campaign twaddle still isn’t working. So many excuses as to why he simply isn’t prepared for the job and clearly didn’t give any forethought (strange for a bloke always wanting to look to the future) to the reality of the position. He obviously did not expect to win until Fran pulled out.

        The bottom line of this exchange – Troy writing to himself – is that he doesn’t have advisors, he has assistants and gofors. And it is mind-bending to suggest that ‘advisors’ are ‘independent of me’. Independent of you how? Who’s making decisions, unelected and hired ‘advisors’ or the mayor and council? The ‘Pie is sure the term is what is the problem here, they are assistants … and if he wants to make them feel better about themselves, he could call them ‘executive assistants.’

        Oh, no, wait, that’s the title he gives his secretary to justify a ridiculous salary.

        But things are about to get even more interesting, with Paul Jacob – the deputy mayor who steps when when the mayor isn’t available – taking rationalisation to it’s most unbelievable degree when he says there’s nothing wrong with his daughter Bella becoming one of the those advisors. She hasn’t yet, but The ‘Pie can confirm Bella Jacob has applied for a council position. And she is falsely claiming she was a policy advisor to Les Walker. This is not true – she was an electorate officer. A policy advisor is a different role.

        And thinking that putting any role in Messagebank’s office is a CV recommendation brings into question her judgement from the outset.

        • Bullshit says:

          If he just called them personal assistants it wouldn’t look so bad to be honest.

          • The Magpie says:

            Yes if there was more than one, otherwise it sounds like a foursome. But PA is an established term for what we are no longer allowed to girl an executive’s Girl Friday.

        • Trollseeker says:

          Executive assistant to the Mayor is not a highly paid role at all. I wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole.

      • Not running for Mayor says:

        To me it looks like it was written by two people, a professional writing the first part, then TwoFaces himself or his squeeze writing the last section with poor grammar and spelling as well as the strange logic.

        “I too thought why do we need advisors, until I stepped into the role, I did question the mayor Hill when she lead the city, as I thought after 12 years at the helm and 23 years in local government, she should know, but you do need a good team around the head of council.”

        He might have help but he is too stupid to just accept it without wading in thinking he is the smartest kid in the room.

        • The Magpie says:

          There is no way this too-clever-by-half fuckwit is ever going to actually lead this council … they’ve already told to fuck off three or four times.

      • Southern Comfort says:

        It reads a little like the MIA LocalEnforcer. Or maybe it was Bella all along. But now there are to be no Advisor roles I wonder how long she will stay at it without pay.

        • The Magpie says:

          You don’t seriously think that’s the end of the advisor saga, do you?

          • Southern Comfort says:

            God no!! I expect it to return. But he is going to have to do some hard work to have the numbers before he walks into the room, lest he appear the fool again.

            But I think anyone who is “working on spec” to land the official job is going to be rethinking their efforts to date.

        • Southern Comfort says:

          And the numbers are going to be tough as long as Bella keeps her name in the hat. Because Jacobs has to leave the Chamber every time

          • The Magpie says:

            Off point but worth saying because it has been a problem for some time: it is JACOB, no ‘s’.

        • Bullshit says:

          “Advisor, we ‘ardly knew ‘er!”

    • ABS says:

      He is now 3% through his term and has achieved literally nothing except consumed and photographed a lot of treats.

      • The Magpie says:

        And one imagines reporter Chris Burns needs to brush on English usage. All this catchy sounding but nonsensical talk about a clean sweep is just ignorant English .. certainly for a newspaper.

        And as another commenter has pointed out, TwoNames is now walking back his campaign claim to make massive staff changes by saying ‘nothing to do with me’.

  59. ziptied helmet says:

    I realise now why troy pushed the “open and transparent” mantra during his campaigne, because he was just overcompensating for being the opposite.

    • The Magpie says:

      Yes, it appears open and transparent only applies to the future, what might happen … which isn’t open and transparent, it’s aspirational and likely not to happen in many instances. But 0 & T does not, according to Con Man The Barbarian, apply to things that actually have happened.

  60. Ben Rumson says:

    I support these measures but there will be unintended consequences giving false positives.
    With the increasing trend amongst the trendy young things, and some trendy old farts, for body jewelry in all sorts of curious and interesting parts of the body, the police are going to see quite a show. What fun.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-01/queensland-wanding-trial-expanded-to-licensed-venues-reaction/103785672

    • ziptied helmet says:

      Lock the doors and throw away the keys. The little shits don’t deserve a second chance, so to speak. Most are repeat offenders and are beyond reform.

      • The Magpie says:

        Counselling of parents should be the future project but that horse has bolted for this current bunch.

        • Jeff, Condon says:

          Try counselling the grandparents. This is multi-generational problem and will take generations to resolve.

          But first, the current mob of arseholes need to be the subject of a full out offensive. The 10 – 14 year olds. Those older are virtually lost to the apparent rewards without consequences for crime. The trick is to break the cycle.

      • The real ziptied helmet says:

        Stop using my name. Why??

        • The Magpie says:

          FFS … then sit quietly for a moment and work out how you can assure The ‘Pie – who has to approve every comment for publication – that it is really you. And once it is figured out, first in first served.

          • ziptied helmet says:

            Pie, it seems like I have a doppelgänger. I am the real ziptied helmet and I actually don’t care if someone is copying me, it’s flattery. Onwards and upwards soldier.

          • The Magpie says:

            Still can’t figure out the safety drill, eh? Sometimes The ‘Pie gives up on some people … apart from mayors.

  61. Mr Buttocks says:

    Although there is a frenzy of interest in Twonames past, we need to be patient. It takes time to unravel a ball of string. It would seem that the media are now on to him and they are digging away feverishly. I for one am looking forward to seeing the outcome of said probing.

  62. Kenny Kennett says:

    Perhaps we’ll never find out much about the previous Mayor’s operations and alleged cooking of the books. We all hoped that the new Mayor would stride in on the white horse and start the inquiry about his predecessor. But perhaps he is worried more about his own game of hide and seek and fears a revenge witch hunt if he pushes the ‘bad Mullet’ button too many times. TwoNames and Mullet would make a wonderful couple behind bars but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen very fast.

    • Afterthought says:

      Thompson was a contacted cook in the army for a short while.
      He then joined the army but did not complete training before leaving. Left before he was given his army number?
      I am not sure when you get your army number, but if only given it after training this could be correct.

      • Service Number? says:

        nope, the day you start you receive your service number

      • The real ziptied helmet says:

        Not sure what is was like back when he went through. But you’re a recruit during your training to become a soldier at kapooka until if you successfully pass out as a private. However back then certain bases probably did their own form of training locally for reservists?

  63. Bob Roberts says:

    I have a poem too:

    There once was a regional city
    Whose fortunes were famously shitty
    In a fit of despair
    They chose a new mayor
    Unfortunately, Walter Mitty.

  64. Southern Comfort says:

    So this mornings Special Council Meeting should be good watching. Can’t wait to see Spitfire Suzy roast TwoNames again.

    A question I have though is regarding the appointment of the Mayoral Advisers. As I understand these positions to be the only one’s that actually, really report to the Mayor (I’m sorry I don’t buy his guff about the CEO. That position is appointed by and reports to Mayor and Council).

    If the guy has been referred for investigation to OIA, should those appointments be approved? As one could imagine a scenario where someone under investigation “might actually” receive a negative outcome, and could be dismissed from Office. Should the ratepayer then be saddled with the expense, and possible payout costs, of these advisers? In normal situations a new Mayor is not so quickly referred for Investigation. But with TwoNames we know he is not normal. So should he be allowed his 3 advisers before he’s been cleared?

    That, and he pledged these roles would be the first to go to save costs. But we already know about TwoNames and campaign pledges. They’re easily deleted.
    https://townsville.civicclerk.com.au/web/UserControls/pdf/web/DocPDFWrapper.aspx?ar=4014

  65. White Mouse says:

    Just for something not Twonames related… just had the kiddie crims visit our building complex in a couple of stolen cars. Parked up, unwound the fire hose reel and washed both cars. Honestly, they would do well as detailers they were so thorough.

    • The Magpie says:

      Maybe they ARE car detailers, taking a couple of customers’cars for a spin and burn before bringing them.

      Great if that was true,much better to borrow and return than steal and burn. But …. as if.

  66. Not on your Nelly Bay says:

    Just saw Two Names’ backflip bid to appoint advisors was shut down, with only dutiful lapdogs Kristian Price (who thought he should have two advisors) and Andrew Robinson (who timidly put his hand up for one) backing him in (even though he wanted three). The Angry Ant withdrew from the chamber because his daughter Bella was going to apply (who seems to go by Bella Oliver these days), thus confirming the suspicions of many Nest readers in past weeks.

    Long live democratic accountability.

    • The Magpie says:

      …. as promised by mayor Con Man The Barbarian.

      • Not on your Nelly Bay says:

        Pour one out for Bella Jacob/Oliver.

        Word is that Messagebank still hasn’t filled the vacancy in his electorate office, maybe she could stage a glorious return?

        However, not even the droves of Labor true believers in Townsville (or further afield) want a bar of his narcissistic personality or his rum-fuelled shenanigans.

        Fear not, there’s still hope. She was going around prior to the council election telling people that Harpic was bringing her on as his campaign manager. Between her and Kyle Walker (who no doubt will be managing his old boy’s campaign), the three noddy dogs will have their work cut out for them. Truly a dearth of talent in Labor ranks.

        • old tradesman says:

          Kyle Walker, you mean Steve from Wulguru.

          • Not on your Nelly Bay says:

            My apologies, Tradie. I thought Steve from Wulguru was Messagebank himself, and Steve from Gurambilbarra was Kyle (considering he claims some sort of Aboriginal heritage)?

  67. Bob Roberts says:

    “I too thought why do we need advisors, until I stepped into the role.” – our Mayor on Facebook proving that power corrupts!

    • The Magpie says:

      The ‘Pie intends tolook at this subject in this week’s blog.

      • Bullshit says:

        The bulletin usefully dug up video of him specifically talking about advisors.

        “In a now deleted post on social media highlighting his campaign pledges, Mr Thompson spoke out against former mayor Jenny Hill employing three political advisers.

        “The mayor doesn’t need three consultants and advisers to tell her how to do her job,” he says in the video.”

        • Bob Roberts says:

          One, two, three, four or zero advisors is all up for debate but hypocrisy in politics is the unforgivable sin!

  68. Dread Pirate Roberts says:

    Looks like Con Man the Barbarian is not getting his coveted advisors anytime soon.

    The vote went like this:

    Jacob left the room due to a conflict arising out of pushing his daughter Bella for one of the spots.

    Motion put for the Council to allow the mayor to appoint three advisors – no mover – motion failed.

    Motion put for the Council to allow the mayor to appoint two advisors – Christian Price moved no seconder – motion failed.

    Motion put for the Council to allow the mayor to appoint one advisor – Andrew Robinson moved no seconder – motion failed.

    There you have it folks.

    DPR

    • The Magpie says:

      Good timely info, thanks.

      Seems so far that TwoNames has failed to ‘coach other councillors’ to think his way.

      Rest assured, especially all those goofy ‘give him go’ cheer squad, this is going to be a massive mess.

      • Dread Pirate Roberts says:

        Magpie,

        I am fascinated by the gall of this fraudster. I don’t know how he manages to get out of bed in the morning, let alone swan around as if he is some champion of the people. He is Bella Gibson and Peter Foster rolled into one.

        The silver lining is the majority of the other elected councillors are onto this bloke and they are smart enough to ensure that they aren’t getting all gussied up by his stench.

        DPR

        • The Magpie says:

          Wouldn’t it be interesting to know how many punters are onto their councillor with their views on this bloke. Maybe they’re getting the message loud and clear.

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        Pie, the councillors aren’t totally stupid (alleged) and I’m pretty sure read the Nest with interest each week. The smell of the rotten fish head belonging to Twonames would have started to permeate the halls of Walker St and the councillors will be setting up their own barriers for when this conman gets shovelled out the door !
        Titanic sinking and being pulled down to the mirky, icy depths of the Atlantic come to mind !!

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      I suspect the other councillors have heard loud and clear from the community about their distrust of Thompson.

      Robinson and Price are MyPlace morons.

      Also Robinson does not have an official Facebook page and is following in the footsteps of his Div 8 predecessor of being uncontactable and non-responsive.

      • Dread Pirate Roberts says:

        I know it is considered sacrilege to criticise Fran in the nest, but if I had one criticism, it would be that she didn’t understand how to use the chamber to advance her cause. I understand that she would likely have been voted down at every turn. However, councillors voting against her would be compelled to explain themselves in the court of public opinion.

        Any councillor can place a notice of motion on the agenda if they adhere to the code of meeting practice. This means that, win, lose, or draw, a properly constructed motion can be put forward and debated.

        In an ideal world, the current group could effectively neuter TT by setting the agenda and direction of the Council.
        DPR

        • The Magpie says:

          If Fran deserves rapping over the knuckles, the Nest will not be blocking any reasonable point. Which, DPR, yours is, but Clr O’Callaghan was bullied,blocked and generally sidelined, mainly by the egregious Tony Blight, at the direction of Mayor Mullet. And all because they couldn’t argue their often inarguable corner, so resorted to disgraceful, cowardly behaviour.

          Anyway, Blight’s gone as well as Hill, so things should settle down once we’ve attended to Thompson. Which one imagines shouldn’t take too long.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          NEWSFLASH PIRATE: Councillors are ‘neutering’ twonames/twobit Thompson! He has been smashed with the vast majority of motions he has put forward and either has had to withdraw them, or face a vote and get a caning.
          Have a look at the minutes/online recorded broadcasts, in case you’ve missed them! Take your eye patch off when reading/viewing!!!

          • Dread Pirate Roberts says:

            I think you are missing the point, Plucky. I am not disputing that councillors have been standing up and voting down all of TT’s bad ideas. I’m suggesting that they could start putting sensible ideas into motions and turning them into council policy. I can see this, and I’m a bottle of rum in, with one bung eye!

          • The Magpie says:

            can’t really see any other choice for the councillors. The fly in the oinkment (not a typo) is Jacob.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Although fairly well covered in the Nest, the devil is in the detail, and that is 3 failed motions spells trouble. Twonames does not have the confidence of a majority. To be honest, he doesn’t have the confidence of a fucking minority. The only confidence he has is in himself! This Council is going to crumble into ruins much faster than anticipated. With experienced spin doctors Ralston and Bligh also leaving, the gaps in TCC are opening wider than Madonna’s fanny. All this in the first couple of weeks.

      Strap in people (not strap on). Poor old Magpie is going to be busier than he has ever been, reporting on Councils weekly disasters and shenanigans. Beer and popcorn have been ordered.

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        I thought ‘strap-on’ had a nice ring about it….sort of highlights the receiving end by the Townsville community over the last 12 years !

    • Bullshit says:

      What a shit show! Why wouldn’t Kristian Price support the one advisor motion after he’d put the two advisor motion? Is he seriously nailing his colours to the mast for the principle of two or nothing?

      And another thing – yet again Thompson hasn’t been working the other council members in advance and has been left with egg on his face. Aside from the egg on his face from the meal allowance.

  69. Jeff, Condon says:

    Just looked at Twonames profile on the TCC website and see the only reference to the Army was that his father was a member. Similarly, no reference to attendance at any tertiary institutions or qualifications from same.

    If we get suspicious, what was he doing in Germany? Something about being manager for a supply chain. What supply chain? Later became Global CEO based in Brisbane. Global CEO of what?

    Not so much a man of mystery as man of vagueness.

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      More like a man of no substance and a bullshit artist, Jeff!

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      C’mon Jeff… he was clearly working undercover for the department of homeland security and can’t disclose his true details.

      Unsurprisingly, I was also told he was NOT in Perth when he says he was in the army, and was in Townsville.

  70. Bullshit says:

    Something else that stinks about our new council.

    The council is spending ratepayer money for Councillor Brady Ellis to drive around in a vehicle promoting his private business? How does that pass the pub test? I don’t disagree with the policy of paying for travel costs for private vehicles but the advertising should be removed first.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/tiohETXytKrYhnvP/?mibextid=WC7FNe

    • The Magpie says:

      That’s wrong and cannot be allowed. It surely must be against regs?

      • Bullshit says:

        It doesn’t fill you with confidence in the probity of our council with the advisors and meal allowances and now this.

        I googled the code of conduct and it mentions “dishonestly obtaining, or helping someone to dishonestly obtain, a benefit from the payment or application of public funds or the disposition of State assets;”

    • The Magpie says:

      And isn’t that his councillor FB page? That too is a big no-no.

      • Bullshit says:

        He should remove all mention of his business from the page surely.

        • The Magpie says:

          As you willsee from his comment, he says it is his personal page, but even so, he makes a point of saying he is a councillor …. a bit dopey would be the most generous assessment.

          • Bullshit says:

            Yeah I assume he’s not doing it for nefarious reasons but it’s not a good look.

          • OED says:

            His instagram account is “councillorbradyellis”. No wiggle room there for him to claim it’s personal.

      • Brady says:

        A shame you feel that way mate and I’d suggest public opinion doesn’t agree with you on this one. I’m just a bloke trying to do the right thing and save ratepayers
        money. I’m in the process of getting a new vehicle or rebranding this one. Give me a couple of weeks. I voted for this (only a few days ago btw) because it will save residents money and I guarantee I’ll be out of pocket personally but that’s ok with me. Also, I own the Facebook page, it’s been a thriving TSV community for some years now, well before I started at council.

        • The Magpie says:

          Fair enough, get back with a new pic in a couple of weeks.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          Stay on twonames/twobit, Brady. He’s as slippery as diahorrea in a baby!

        • Bullshit says:

          If it’s only a few weeks it won’t hurt you if you don’t claim any reimbursement during that time, right?

        • ABS says:

          Find another councillor or politician who alternates posts about their council role and their business on the same Facebook page. You’ve got to split them up.

          Tell Troy to stop promoting his wife’s magic watches on his Facebook page too!

          • Southern Comfort says:

            She’s not his wife. I’m not sure TwoNames can afford a third divorce.

        • Bob Roberts says:

          I might be cynical but Brady didn’t mention getting his vehicle rebranded in his Facebook post.

          I suspect this morning he’s making a few calls after getting mentioned on the Magpie blog!

    • The Eye says:

      Did you expect anything less ?

      • Bullshit says:

        I thought they were supposed to get training when they started to not make these kind of “mistakes”.

        • Not standing for mayor says:

          They might be getting training but where does it come from – Jabba the Hallam and the LGAQ crooks or the slippery TCC CEO, or some ALP luvvie being slipped a huge sum for nothing.

  71. Ducks Nuts says:

    Hahaha Even Bishy Tim has had a gutful and has commented on the Bulletin Facebook

  72. Jenny says:

    Saw a Townsville Bulletin at the shops. Big headline saying the Hilton hotel is about to start, again!

    • Jenny says:

      Just in time to house all the youth that will be in detention no matter which party wins the October state election. The LNP don’t need to announce any policy or programs now because Labor has just adopted all the right wing jail ‘em and throw away the key stuff holus bolus. Might as well make Troy Thompson premier of Queensland.

    • The Magpie says:

      Yep … when you’ve got it wrong four times previously, without a single searching question, you try to do a make-good on the front page when it (again) looks like this will get up. Lighton Smith, who has been getting used to wiping googy of his face, again plays stenographer.

      So we’ll see how we go this time around.

  73. Inspector Clouseau says:

    From the online meeting today, once again led/raised by Batkovic:

    Turns out that the outgoing CEO could have asked one of the current Director’s to act as the interim TCC CEO, whilst the Council focused fully upon choosing Prins’ replacement.
    Batkovic pressed two-bit on why this could/did not happen and who made the decision to advertise externally for a 3-6 month replacement with all the costs that involved. She kept pressing and the outgoing CEO confirmed that two-bit made the decision on his own. Batkovic said this should have been discussed with the whole council, due to two-bits lack of local government experience and knowledge. Food Trucks Greaney then noted that she agreed with Batkovic and that the current Director’s had acted admiringly in the past when Prins was absent. Big push back, AGAIN on this peanut, who has little clue about anything except socialising and taking pictures of food!

    • Prickster says:

      Twonames know exactly what’s going on as he know who he wants as CEO.

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        Bullshit Prick! This Councillor mob are like baying wolves and won’t take any shit from twobit! Look at what’s happened in meetings so far………(GREAT viewing too)!

        • Prickster says:

          You’re wrong, Twonames lost on the advisors but won on the selection of CEO. He still gets his Brisbane recruitment company McArthur. Zero support behind Cr Suzy ask for at least 3 quotes with the Mayor says “my choice” using recommendations by LGAQ – surely council has a panel of approved suppliers? A good outcome would be to restart the entire process run by a group of councillors not just the mayor. Rumours have Ken Diehm already locked in the role. Like many things that happen in Townsville you’ll find the Nest is on the money. Maybe the Astonisher can ask some questions?

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Thompstain still has to negotiate with the full panel of councillors for the chosen CEO.

            Personally I doubt that Diehm is stupid enough to return to Townsville from Fraser Coast to work with Thompstain. There would need to be some serious incentives on the table to work with such a colossal fuckhead and his raggedy band of tin foilers.

            Additionally, the seriously bad press Thompstain has managed to secure would have deterred any sensible CEOs and have reduced the pool of applicants to only those looking to make their mark or those who are tinfoilers themselves. If we want any hope of a decent CEO, Thompstain needs to pull his head out of his arse and start demonstrating the openness and transparency he keeps banging on about. He also needs to fuck off the nut jobs that keep hanging on like dags on sheep.

          • The Magpie says:

            Eloquent and elegant analysis, Silver Nuts, but you may be in error in one respect. Quite possible that the situation that bears all the decorum inter-family bonhomie of an Irish wedding reception will attract an experienced head who likes a challenge. And Christ, if nothing else, Townsville City Council is Challenges’R’Us central.

          • Critical says:

            Why would Ken Diehm apply for a temporary 6 month contract with TCC when he has a permanent position with the Fraser Coast council.
            A comment I heard a couple of days ago is that twonames wants a temporary CEO so that it’s easy to get rid of the temporary CEO
            if he doesn’t do what twonames demands. If the temporary CEO bows and scraps and brown tongues twonames then he can be appointed to the CEO position.

          • Prickster says:

            Ken will be full time after Ray, sorry Z completes the temp gig.

    • Charlie Wulguru says:

      As I have said before here, why is there not a Deputy CEO? The Council that I worked at for over twenty years always had a Deputy. If at anytime neither were available for whatever reason a Departmental Director would stand in and do what was needed. Don’t tell me that there isn’t someone in there that could temporally slip into the breach and stop all this shit and wasted money in looking for an interim one. Or is there no one there capable of doing the job.

    • Jeff, Condon says:

      So if Batkovic knew this, why didn’t raise it at the time? Similarly, it’s the first time the outgoing CEO brought it up.

      If this dysfunctional rabble doesn’t stop their backstabbing, attempted power grabbing and start representing the ratepayers, an administrator will be appointed they’ll all lose their jobs.

      Sick of all this shit. Useless State Govt. Useless council. All a mob of greedy bastards.

  74. Echochamber says:

    Looks like old Franky is in the shit – https://reneweconomy.com.au/six-minute-ev-battery-hopeful-faces-court-over-alleged-failure-to-disclose-parlous-state-of-us-gigafactory/

    Australia’s corporate watchdog has launched federal court action against battery start-up Magnis Energy Technologies and its executive director Frank Poullas, alleging failure to disclose the “parlous state” of the company’s battery gigafactory plans.

    ASX-listed Magnis built a profile around the promise of electric vehicle batteries that would be able to recharge by up to 85 per cent in just six minutes, using battery cells it would manufacture at a gigawatt-scale in Australia and the US.

    In Australia, the plan was to build a $3 billion, 1.8GWh lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Townsville in Queensland. A feasibility study was completed in 2019, supported by a $3.1 million funding grant from the Queensland government, and NAB was appointed as a financial advisor.

    By 2021, though, Magnis had all but abandoned the Townsville plans and turned its focus to the US gigafactory proposed for New York, as well as to a graphite project in Tanzania.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) said its case concerns the New York factory – Magnis’ “self-described flagship project,” operated by US company Imperium3 New York (iM3NY), in which Magnis holds a majority stake.

    ASIC alleges Magnis became aware claims it had made about the plant’s funding, automation and ability to produce cells at a rate of 1GWh a year were incorrect and that it, and Poullas, breached continuous disclosure laws by not informing the market of this in a timely manner.

  75. wollo says:

    Magpie.I have been reading the Local Gov. Act 2009 and on page 291 under Criminal History Info there is some intreresting reading about what can happen if a Mayor does not disclose past criminal history.Perhaps one or two of your contributors can follow this up as I dont have the time or resources to do it.

  76. Burnt Brows says:

    With all the noise around the Mayoral position, maybe Birnbrauer will apply for the CEO role? No, wait – don’t you need a Uni degree for that?

  77. Alahazbin says:

    Just for a change of subject on Two Names. I see the Katter Party have let their candidate for Thuringowa Clinton Hawkes go in favour of a higher profile person. On an interview on ABC this morning he appears to be completely blindsided by this decision. It will be interesting to hear what the Katter party reasoning for this backflip.

    • The Magpie says:

      s the high profile person, who would be far more interesting than no hoper Hawkes being dumped?

      • Joaney says:

        Molachino? Come October, everyone will be oops, we fucked up and wish he was still on council. But then Jenny was pretty tight with KAP but cant see the electorate being that forgiving, even by then

        • The Magpie says:

          Don’t think it works that way, Joaney, the line will ‘not our fuck up,no other choice, but at least we got rid of Jenny and her aerobics class.

      • Southern Comfort says:

        But I think points need to be deducted here, as we didn’t really leave the topic of TwoNames. As Clinton and TwoNames have been “liking” the hell out of each other on Facebook. Oh, and there’s that thing about “guys that get disendorsed together……”. I forgot how that ends.

    • Bullshit says:

      Hawks will be kicking himself he didn’t run for council!

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        Twonames/twobit might hire him as an advisor if he ever gets that one through council in the future! :)

    • The Magpie says:

      The ‘Pie thinks he can help there, Ala … after the recent WalkerStreet clean-out, a few thruster wereback in the market and the smart money is on Hawkes being turfed in favour of …

      MARGIE ‘ POTTY MOUTH ‘ RYDER.

      Oh whoops, hang on ….. that might be ….

      BEN FUSCO.

      Take your pick.

      • Scotch Finger says:

        My money is on Ben as he received lots of KAP support during council elections. Nick Dimetto loaned whim a trailer and handed out for him . Also got KAP supporters to help.

        Ryder is on record saying she might think about another political tilt somewhere, but seems unlikely this will be it.

      • Alahazbin says:

        Pie, Going by the astonisher this morning, Potty mouth says no. Too busy with charity work and Ben Fusco says he is bit over it all and standing for council took a bit out of him.
        I wonder if the KP is stupid enough to approach Jenny.

  78. Fresh undies says:

    I think mayor twonames will have a meltdown soon, all these questions about his dodgy background aren’t going to just go away. Sooner or later he is going to have to face the music. And I’ve noted that in this weeks magpies nest there has not been much published from the twonames fan club. Perhaps twonames and his squeeze have been too busy critiquing restaurants to post?

  79. Ducks Nuts says:

    Just noticed the banner of WHO Troy Thompson is (RHS of picture)

    Father
    Business Man
    Global Traveller
    Soldier
    Gas Fitter
    Business Graduate
    Cancer Survivor

    • The Magpie says:

      There’s something mildly disgusting about labelling yourself a ‘cancer survivor’, it can only been seen as a wheedling sympathy seeker claim. A third party, like a reporter doing a personality profile, fine, but making it one of your own claims fitting you for higher office is both bombastic and somewhat sickening. Classic con man stuff (even if it is true) and has absolutely no relevance to a substantive platform.

      Surprised he didn’t mention that he’s a son, grandson, great grandson and great great … well you get the idea.

      AND HE DIDN’T CLAIM TO BE A RATEPAYER. EITHER …well, not in this moment of hokum, anyway, and very likely he isn’t, living with his mum as he does. But he has made the claim elsewhere, so let’s ask him for proof of paying rates, but be ready for a long wait, you can’t just dig these things up on the spot, y’know, c’mon, give the bloke a go, will ya?

  80. Nostradamus says:

    Fran, stay away from twonames/twobit Thompson. There is serious trouble ahead and you don’t need to get scooped up in the backwash………

  81. Doug K says:

    So the continually downgraded Hilton Hotel is finally going ahead (again).
    The last time a local accountancy firm got involved in hotel development it ended in tears when the floating hotel on John Brewer Reef was towed to Asia to eventually become a floating brothel.
    Hope there’s a happier ending this time.

    • Nostradamus says:

      It’s an each way bet at this point, Doug. I am ‘seeing’ activity at the site, but as you know that means very little until foundations start going in!
      This one has had more starts than an old nag at the Richmond races.

      • White Mouse says:

        Even foundations don’t mean a lot. The Hedley Tavern at Idalia being one that didn’t get past a slab.

        • The Magpie says:

          While it’s healthy around this town to be skeptical, The ‘Pie sincerely hopes this gets off the ground this time, the old bird’s beefs in the past mainly concerned Mayor Mullet’s grandiose and incorrect puffery which was sheer electioneering and Lighton Smith and the Astonisher’s lack of even cursory curiosity about valid questions raised at the time (particularly the continual downgrading with the Hilton hierarchy so that we now are a couple steps above a backpackers). But it will provide for visitors at a certain level and will provide jobs for locals. Still, seems a funny place for a hotel,and if the proponents are hoping the view across the weed infested mostly deserted railway yards will change , let’s hope they’ve got a bloody long lease anda lot of patience.

    • Jatzcrackers says:

      Doug, surely there were plenty of happy endings on an ex hotel that became a floating brothel ! A relation of an old friends uncle’s brother told me there was !

      • I’m’a’faggot says:

        I could tell you some stories about the Hilton in Sydney.

        • The Magpie says:

          The famous Macleay Street hole in the ground … used to get flooded regularly over the years just sitting there. What did it take before building resumed after the excavation, 10, 15 years?

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Before we know it the Hilton project will be a two-man tent on a vacant block of land.

    • Alahazbin says:

      Doug, They say they have checked out China on modular construction methods. Look out! There will be a rush used shipping containers soon.

  82. Rotten Luck Willie says:

    TAIHS has a history of nepotism and mal-administration all on taxpayer dollars but this Tangentyere Council (TC) takes it to the next level of total failure and absence of responsibility. Alice Springs council has been trying, unsuccessfully for FOUR YEARS to hold a meeting with the TC CEO, meanwhile millions of taxpayer dollars are being poured into this organization. No financial statement since 2018. TC inaction has, in part, has contributed to violence in Alice Springs.

    Have a read. Is there any Aboriginal leadership in Townsville?

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-02/tangentyere-council-backlash-absence-in-community-matters/103785552

  83. Jenny says:

    I read elsewhere on this blog (I think) that Mayor Twodogs is going to take a long hard look at TEL. I certainly hope so. I have an inside source that tells me the almost all female workforce are totally taking the piss out of TCC. The focus on the place is half day Fridays, endless birthday celebrations and high tea type activities. Apparently the busiest part of TEL is the lunchroom and its fridge. And apparently Mr Gill is a real jellyback and is out of place amongst the mostly female workforce.If Mayor Twonames wants to redeem himself he could start by restructuring TEL’s workforce and trim their excessive budget.wages, corporate credit cards and travel exceeds $1.2m per year.

    • The Magpie says:

      If a single ratepayer cent is given to to The Dudley DoNothings, KPI’s must be introduced and set.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Jenny, Turdstain has had a few smoozy meetings, some horses douvers and a lot of selfie opportunities with TEL. He’s likely to backflip on funding cuts there too.

      https://imgur.com/a/sJRW2Ib

      • The real ziptied helmet says:

        Probably just good business happening between them. Realistically, they can’t close TEL down. They’ll be around for a long time.

        • The Magpie says:

          Possibly not, but they can be reformed by their biggest crutch, the TCC. KPI’s are essential for this mob, publicly set and reported, with their funding linked to satisfactory performance.

          But it now seems obvious we cannot believe one single promise that Troy Thompson made, he has been exposed as a grifting liar and a fool.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Only now it seems obvious?

          • The real ziptied helmet says:

            KPIs sound like a good idea for TEL. But wasn’t tel more successful back in the day, and they didn’t need kpi. but you’d know a lot more than me. maybe i’ll go rooting around in some of your older articles to get some more info. I mean I can’t help but think an organisation like TEL could really help our city if done right.

          • The Magpie says:

            When founded and for many years, it did, it fulfilled a function, intelligently dipping it;’s toes into areas where the council couldn’t and shouldn’t go, but collaborating closely together. But then it lost its way to local ego and politics, and for the most part, just became a campaigning tool and often a scapegoat for Jenny Hill. There is a role for TEL run by experienced and savvy people but it sorely needs restructuring … and accountability.

          • Not standing for mayor says:

            When people like Richard Power managed TEL it was a real powerhouse but now it is just a coffee slurping cake munching kum by yar circle. Take a look at the work Advance Cairns or Whitsunday Alliance do on a fraction of the budget TEL gets and realize just how far they have fallen.

          • The real ziptied helmet says:

            Apparently TEL is full of Coffee slurping, cake munching bunch of do nothing’s? How do I get a job there? Haha. Nah, maybe they should team up with the Cairns and Whitsundays equivalent organisation. They could learn something perhaps.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Depends on your gender. Something that started with Richard Power who had a liking for hiring blonds with big tits.

          • The Magpie says:

            Your point is?

            And you seem to be suggesting Richard liked hiring blokes with big tits. gentlemen prefer blondes.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Pie if they were moobs they squeezed well into women’s clothing.
            My point is that when you mentioned TEL in the industry, when Richard was in charge and surrounded by his bevvy of blondes, there were always sniggers and laughs, no one took them seriously. Nothing has changed.

          • The Magpie says:

            Tony Mooney certainly took Richard Power and ‘them’ seriously. With good reason.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Sorry… but are we now using Mooney as a measure of good judgement?

          • The Magpie says:

            His Radiance and The ‘Pie are far from being mates.but I have said this before, but to remind you: Someone’s personal opinion of me does not influence my professional opinion of them. And Mooney was probably the right person at the right time – and that makes him the best mayor this city ever had.

      • the real ziptied helmet says:

        Thanks for the understanding about TEL, Magpie

  84. Zorro says:

    TB Online: Candidate Z selected to lead TCC etc.

    OMG, is Zorro coming to rescue us from corrupt and villainous officials? We thought that part of our life was over with the recent Council elections, BUT, it’s still there in spades, unfortunately.

    We await Zorro’s arrival with interest and hope!

    • The Magpie says:

      UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE!!!

      IT’S NOW GOT TO THE STAGE OF INTOLERABLE INSULT. COUNCILORS REALLY DO NEED TO PULL THIS HYPOCRITE INTO LINE ON BEHALF OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

      It’s reasonable to assume that the identity of the (totally unnecessary) interim CEO wasn’t immediately announced … protocol – and just basic politeness – requires the person to formally accept the position before being named. OK, that’s fine.

      But did you note the brazen finger to the public from this out-and-out snivelling disgrace of a mayor in the second paragraph of th story.

      Following the confidential business, Mayor Troy Thompson confirmed the yet unidentified candidate would first have reference and criminal history checks before formally being approved as acting CEO.

      This from a shady con man who shied away from that very thing happening in his own case … Troy Thompson has done, and is still doing
      everything within the limited power of his intelligence to make sure he is not subjected to such a detailed and transparent routine and required examination.

      So why Troy? Whoever it is, that’s all in the past, we need even an interim CEO to just look to the future. Besides, is it any of your business to look into his/her past, why apply rules to this public person that you refuse to apply to yourself?

      We can now add crass hypocrisy to your tawdry CV.

      • Achilles says:

        The epitome of “Pots and Kettles”!

      • Jenny says:

        Hang about, Magpie. As a ratepayer I expect and require our council to do ordinary due diligence on ordinary council employees – regardless of the slapdash oversight we apply to political candidates. In any case, I doubt the mayor has any choice about the process. It’s not his personal fiefdom to do what he likes with.

        • The Magpie says:

          Fuck me,you really have had a humour by-pass haven’t you? The point is the hypocrisy of Thompson saying that, butif The ‘Pie has to explain that comment to you, then you are on the wrong blog. Satire and sarcasm ain’t your thing, eh?

    • OED says:

      Candidates A through Y declined the honour.

      • Longtime watcher says:

        I note Hari Boppudi has just handed in his resignation as CEO of Flinders Shire… I wonder if he could be in the mix for a temporary gig….. certainly has always had eyes for a bigger role……

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          Fuck off Watcher, you’ve been peering in too many windows after dark. Hari is no fit for TCC, in comparison to the minuscule outfit in Hughenden he did run as CEO and according to you has left. Haven’t you heard, Zorro is coming to Townsville and the bloke you mentioned is no Zorro! :)

  85. Southern Comfort says:

    All Mayor & Councillors Register of Interests are up online with TCC now. Interesting distribution of Bank Accounts for TwoNames.

    https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/mayor-and-councillors/statements-of-interest

    • Grumpy says:

      Oh, wow. What a loser. 50 years old, living with Mum, owns no real property no other assets of substance. And this is the international business guru? Total fraud.

    • Mike Douglas says:

      Southern Comfort thanks for the link highlighting the lack of business / finance acumen of ex Team Hill Councillors as well as new . Add Jennys handpicked pyscophant Labor advisors it’s no wonder Council is a mess financially . Instead of advisors Council needs to draw on advice from the strength within the Townsville finance community . It appears from a few comments on Councillors interests that many readers of the blog arnt aware of what you can do with trusts / self managed superfunds . I understand the need for transparency but you can see why some successful people wouldn’t want their property , debt , bank accounts , trusts , super accessed by anyone . I note you have to disclose shares in private companies but not the asx ? .

      • Grumpy says:

        Mike – I’m more than aware of the dreadful consequences that can arise when self-managed superannuation funds are carelessly managed. Most people do not understand that, once in a fund, the asset is no longer theirs to do as they wish. After watching the damage divorcing couples do to themselves, I wondered I’d a SMSF is just another device to help accountants become even wealthier. But I am willing to bet you London to a brick that our Mayor does not have a penny to his name, real or beneficial.

  86. Mister Magoo says:

    Overheard the seniors coffee mob talking at North Ward Shops this morning. Hooting and hollering that maybe Mullet Hill and Mochachino could share the acting CEO role, ‘cos they know where all the skeletons and shifty deals are hidden!

    I did get a distinct whiff of Mary Jane around the table………:)

    • The Magpie says:

      At the North Ward shopping centre? Seniors coffee mob? Now we know you’re fantasizing.

      • Burnt Brows says:

        Go for a drive along those coffee shops on Gregory St in the morning on a week day and it’s a who’s who of Townsville business elite. Some interesting faces there this morning, and barely walking distance from their homes for the ones I recognised. If you ever want some juicy information get a coffee there as they don’t talk quietly most of the time !

      • Bob Roberts says:

        The whiff of Mary Jane was from Magoo with his cannabis induced psychosis

  87. Trollseeker says:

    The idea that one of the directors could fill in for the role of interim CEO wouldn’t have worked, another one just quit. That leaves two lonely directors, a brand new interim CEO and a mixed bag council with a ‘no-idea’ Mayor running the show just as we start going in to a new financial year. Interesting times ahead – let the bloodbath begin!

    • The Magpie says:

      If all these departures, linked with three consecutive defeats of mayoral motions, doesn’t draw the attention of LG authorities, then they are not doing their job.

    • Richard the third says:

      Who is the third director to pull the pin? Ralston, Bligh, and who else?

      • The Magpie says:

        Blight wasn’t a director, surely? He was never good enough to be head of legal, and was only designated In-house Counsel in contrivance with theMullet so he could be a cowardly bully towards Fran O’Callaghan, who had effectively been banned from talking directly to the mayor and all requests and comments had to go through him.

  88. The Wulguru Wonder says:

    Typical Aaron Harper response to a legitimate and politely worded question.

    • The Magpie says:

      Panic personified … insulting and astoundingly crass.

      • Prickster says:

        Get your historic energy price data from independent sources like https://www.ceicdata.com/en/australia/electricity-prices/electricity-average-peak-price-queensland (you can customise the time periods)

        Aaron won’t like the truth particularly when you look over longer periods +10years.

        Also know that coal mining royalties also apply to the coal mines the Queensland Government owns, where the coal these mines produced supply Queensland Government own coal fire power stations. A cute way of artificially inflating prices that the energy regulator must endorse. Electricity prices are proportionally high indirect tax on lower income families in Queensland, all controlled by the Miles Government.

      • The real ziptied helmet says:

        Aaron is a typical Labor stooge. Can’t have a proper, civil debate about legitimate issue and just results to name calling. He is not fit for office.

        • Third leg says:

          He is more than a stooge, he is an incompetent idiot. He, and his Labor lovers, have done little for Queensland and Townsville in recent years. Phil Thompson has done more for Townsville than the 3 Labor retards put together. But there is a positive side to recent happenings and that is Hill got voted out and Smiley Miles will go in October, and probably Albanese next year. Harpic and his beloved Labor are well and truly on the nose and have a foot out the door. So Aaron, please keep acting like a goose on Farcebook as you are burying yourself mate. Roll on October.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Typical emotional reaction from the spineless Harpic. He shows himself up to be the fuckwit that he really is. It’s an intelligent query and one that a taxpayer should rightly be able to ask their elected member to explain. But oh no, not our triple chinned Ambo boy. He reacts like a spoiled baby. Grow up Aaron.

      Folks, remember the trio of local Labor fuckwits come October and vote their asses out of politics.

      ‘Show Messagebank, Harpic, and Private Cupcake the door in October 24”

    • ABS says:

      It is a silly question but he should have explained to the guy why it was silly – tariff prices by themselves wouldn’t show anything particularly useful given all the factors that go into them.

      • Grumpy says:

        Abs, apart from raw greed, what else?

        • ABS says:

          What Echochamber said – transmission and distribution costs for example, not to mention cost of generation from multiple different sources.

      • Echochamber says:

        Totally agree -network costs, wholesale energy costs, green scheme costs, retail operating costs, margin etc etc.

        But for the sake of the discussion, in 2013/14 the c/kWh rate on tariff 11 was 26.73c. In 2023/24 it’s 30.23c/kWh. So in a decade it’s gone up 3.5c/kWh (or 13%) with a majority of that coming in the last 2 years – thanks Callide and Putin.

        I can think of a few things that I wish had only gone up 13% in the last decade.

        Mind you if you go all the way back to 2006/7 the rate on tariff 11 was 13.88c/kWh, so it’s increased by 16c/117% over that time. So like any numbers I’ll let others choose the ones they need to win whatever argument they want to have.

        • Prickster says:

          All the State Government;
          network costs = Powerlink
          wholesale energy costs = Stanwell, CS Energy, CleanCo
          green scheme costs = Govt Policy and push to renewables
          retail operating costs = Energy Queensland, Ergon, Energex.

  89. White Mouse says:

    “Mayor investigated for allegedly faking military service” has help land Townsville at number 6 on the Shit Towns rankings this week.

  90. Burnt Brows says:

    Mayor & Councillors Register of Interests – proves what I have been saying for years. None of Townsville’s truly decent and successful business people will go near a Councillors role. Mayor and Councillor positions have become a hide out for desperate people who can’t find a job or hold down a career elsewhere. It really is.

    • Jenny says:

      Burnt Brows, I’d be interested to know what you would like to see in a councillor’s declaration of interests that indicated to you that they were, automatically, “truly decent and successful business people”. Would you like them to have multiple investment properties, a garage of vintage cars, a large industrial complex employing numerous locals making guns or plastic bags? Or would you prefer your rates, roads and rubbish etc was managed by a professional public service overseen by ordinary suburban people like us? People who care about the place where they live? Councillors here have to live in the division they represent. They are bound to be very like the people who live in their street, people like you and me, whose declaration would look much the same as theirs if only we were interested in local politics.

      • The Magpie says:

        Hahaha, Jen, old gal, you sure gob on a lot for someone not interested in politics.

        But what The ‘Pie sees as his ideal councillor is someone who was in the SAS, likes to abuse women, boasts about uni degrees he doesn’t have and has at least one bankruptcy and one company he’s run into the ground. Ma Greaney, your on notice, start getting your shit together, girl, or The ‘Pie will disrespect you.

      • Grumpy says:

        Oh, Jenny – you really are a foolish, shallow critter. I would expect any councillor to have at least a modicum of business experience and financial expertise – and show proof of their abilities in that regard. They are expected to take part in the management of a huge concern. Many of the freshmen we now have are little more than bogan losers.

        • The Magpie says:

          Don’t wholly agree … a straight shooter with integrity from a working background shouldn’t be thought to be eligible because he hasn’t made big bucks or run a successful business. With those qualities there would come a sensible respect for matters explained to him or her by better qualified colleagues. In an ideal world, that group would include the mayor, but it hasn’t with the last two incumbents.

      • J jones says:

        Not sure I’d want to trust my money with people with so many bank accounts

      • Burnt Brows says:

        Jenny, yes. Yes I would like to see the fruits of success to show me they can bring real skills across to understanding what is needed to fix our damn Council with its spiralling debt and amongst the highest Rates in the known World. I’m talking about the Leaders of Industry, names we all know, people who contribute to this Community more than most. If I am recruiting for a role in my own business I need the applicant to demonstrate they have the skills and personal attributes to succeed in the job. That includes a resume of their successes in the past, relevant education, and anything else important to the role all which can be backed up with References and Background Checks.

        • The Magpie says:

          “Crikey, Mr Brows, I promise I will be a great trolly retriever, I was was once for a short time the mayor of Townsville.No, really, Iwas, true, really, – why are you laughing?’

        • Jenny says:

          So . . . . someone like Clive Palmer, Alan Bond or ex-WA Premier Burke? To each his own. Personally I’d prefer a butcher, baker, teacher, mower Jim or suburban solicitor. That’s who I’d vote for.

    • Third leg says:

      True, except in the case of Fran O’Callaghan. She is a smart businesswoman as well as being someone committed to helping the community. A rare mixture to be sure. Half a dozen Fran’s on the council and we would have a kickass city to live in.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        Imma disagree. She’s too close to Brian Venten goat herder, conspiracy nut job extraordinaire for my liking.

  91. The Magpie says:

    Link doesn’topen Bob, so not published. What was it?

    • Bob Roberts says:

      It was a link to his latest post about a day in the life. I noted that he doesn’t have his university degrees or any souvenirs of his military service in his little hutch of knick knacks.

  92. The real ziptied helmet says:

    Jesus, Joseph and Mary. Check out this Kim Jong Un adoration post about TT,
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1999890863739273/permalink/2003926770002349/?app=fbl

    Image, https://imgur.com/a/xmdLkrZ

    • The Magpie says:

      FFS, Crash Lid!!! What’s up with some of you? Has there been a dark fairy going around doing humour by-passes?

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Jamal has obviously had a very serious accident where he wasn’t wearing a helmet. This is evident from the utter drivel he regularly posts.

  93. Richard the third says:

    Anybody got a spare $200 they want to waste? This from the TEL website;

    https://tel.glueup.com/event/2024-tourism-futures-forum-103904/

  94. Moose knuckle says:

    466 comments so far this week. Well done magpies nest. And barely a comment from Twonames fan club. Love it.

    • Grumpy says:

      Moose – I suspect that it is because, unlike their own strictly vetted and sanitised Facebook pages, their posts here have been immediately called out and unceremoniously dumped on, ridiculed and treated with contempt and scorn. Confronted with facts and logic they rarely stay around. Apart from that, there has not been much for him to cheer about this week, has there?

  95. Alahazbin says:

    May the Fourth be with you.

  96. Bob Roberts says:

    Does anyone believe that our Mayor is starting his day at 5.30am? That’s what he reckons in the two schedules he’s put out in the last few days.

    • Rotten Luck Willie says:

      Bob,

      I start my day at 5.30. A fart and a scratch, then brewed coffee.

      This is much better than before. Every morning, urinate at about 5.30, defecate at 6 ish, then wake up at 6.30.

      If the ‘Pie allows this post it will make it 500 for the week.

      Go Malcolm:-)

      • The Magpie says:

        The ‘Pie is thrilled(ish).Not with the number, but that he can now say he knows someone who admits taking a dump while asleep. But the location is another question … and no, don’t bother, we already have to much information, just thanks for making the 500.

  97. OCD says:

    Just want to see the comment counter hit 500

  98. J jones says:

    Happy 500th comment

    • The Magpie says:

      Crikey, truly hadn’t noticed. Thanks for the heads up, and thanks to all in conversation here. And a special shout out to the growing number of citizen journalists sending in solidinr blog, too,you know.

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