Historic Political Shift in Northern Queensland
The city of Townsville has witnessed what political analysts are calling one of the most dramatic electoral swings in Australian history, with former state MP Nick Dametto securing a decisive victory in the mayoral byelection. The 42-year-old independent candidate, who previously served as deputy leader of Katter's Australian Party, achieved an overwhelming majority with more than 61% of the vote as counting continued on Sunday.
From State Politics to Local Leadership
Dametto's political journey took a significant turn when he resigned from both his Queensland parliamentary position and his Katter's Australian Party membership last month to contest the mayoral race as an independent. His victory represents a stark rejection of the previous leadership under Troy Thompson, whose tenure ended abruptly amid controversy.
The ABC reported that Dametto officially declared victory on Sunday, acknowledging the candidates who had conceded and expressing gratitude to Townsville residents. "I'm proud to thank those Townsville residents who voted for hope; hope for a better city, to build the capital of northern Australia," the mayor-elect stated.
Controversial Predecessor and Electoral Backlash
The byelection was necessitated by the resignation of former mayor Troy Thompson in September, following allegations that he had misled voters about his military service. Thompson had been suspended on full pay since November while the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission investigated claims made during his successful 2024 campaign.
Thompson's political fortunes suffered a dramatic reversal in this election, with the former mayor polling fifth among nine candidates with nearly 5% of the vote. This represents a spectacular fall from his 2024 victory, where he secured 46.4% of the primary vote in a three-candidate race.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, who will continue serving on the city council, gracefully conceded defeat through social media. "We all want the best for our amazing city and I look forward to working with Nick to deliver for Townsville," she wrote. Greaney was the only other candidate to achieve double-digit polling figures, securing almost 13% of the vote.
Political Profile and Policy Positions
Dametto brings a distinctive political persona to the mayoral office, having previously organised anti-immigration marches in Townsville and advocated for several controversial policies. His platform included campaigning for:
- The appointment of a dedicated minister for men
- Implementation of "castle law" legislation allowing homeowners to use deadly force against intruders
- An aggressive new flying fox dispersal regime
Despite his involvement in divisive political issues, Dametto maintained during his campaign that there was "no room for politics in local government." His social media vision for Townsville ranged from broad ambitions like making the city "open for business" to highly specific local initiatives.
Analyst Insights and Electoral Significance
Political analyst Paul Williams from Griffith University described the result as extraordinary. "He was always the strong candidate," Williams noted, "But I didn't think he'd win so easily. This is one of the biggest swings in any Australian election."
Williams highlighted Dametto's popularity and visibility in northern Queensland, where he had won three consecutive elections for the state seat of Hinchinbrook. The analyst also praised Dametto's ability to avoid the controversies that often plague populist right figures, noting that unlike many of his peers, he had managed to steer clear of "tripping over their own tongues."
The political expert characterised Townsville as a city built on military and mining foundations, where "rugged, masculine, pioneer economics and political culture" maintain significant influence. Dametto's public image—including shirtless flexing photos in local newspapers under headlines like "Minister for Muscles" and his participation in charity bull riding events—appears to resonate with this cultural landscape.
Looking Forward: Leadership and Legacy
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the election result, stating that Townsville had "strongly backed Nick Dametto" and expressing confidence that the outcome would provide the city with "the local leadership it needs and deserves."
Meanwhile, former mayor Thompson hinted that his political story might not be over, despite his poor showing. "This chapter may be closing, but the story isn't over," he wrote in a social media post congratulating Dametto and thanking his supporters.
The election, conducted as a full postal ballot, sets the stage for another significant political contest with a byelection for Dametto's former state seat of Hinchinbrook scheduled for 29 November. This upcoming vote will serve as an important test for the Crisafulli government's popularity in the region.
As Townsville prepares for new leadership under Dametto, the city faces the challenge of balancing its traditional economic foundations with the new mayor's vision for transforming it into what he describes as "the capital of northern Australia."
