Historic Political Shift in Northern Australia
In a remarkable political upset, the city of Townsville has overwhelmingly elected Nick Dametto as its new mayor, delivering what analysts are calling one of the most significant swings in Australian electoral history. The 42-year-old former state parliamentarian secured a commanding victory in Saturday's byelection, capturing more than 61% of the vote with approximately 30% counted by Sunday.
From State Politics to Local Leadership
Dametto, who previously served as deputy leader of Katter's Australian Party and represented Hinchinbrook in Queensland's parliament, resigned from both positions last month to contest the mayoral race as an independent. His decisive win represents a clear rejection of the city's previous leadership under Troy Thompson, who resigned in September amid allegations he misled voters about his military service.
The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission had been investigating claims Thompson made during his successful 2024 campaign, which saw him elected with 46.4% of the primary vote in a three-candidate race. By contrast, Thompson managed only 5% support in this byelection, finishing fifth among nine candidates.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, who will remain 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.
A Populist Figure with Strong Local Support
Dametto has cultivated a distinctive public profile in northern Queensland. The bodybuilding enthusiast has appeared shirtless on newspaper front pages under headlines like "Minister for Muscles" and has participated in the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo charity bull ride for six consecutive years.
His political positions reflect his populist right leanings, having led anti-immigration marches in Townsville and campaigned for both a dedicated minister for men and the implementation of "castle law" legislation that would permit homeowners to use deadly force against intruders.
Despite these controversial stances, political analyst Paul Williams from Griffith University noted that Dametto has managed to avoid damaging controversies that often plague populist figures. "He was always the strong candidate," Williams observed. "But I didn't think he'd win so easily. This is one of the biggest swings in any Australian election."
Williams attributed Dametto's success to his visibility and popularity across northern Queensland, where he has won three consecutive elections in Hinchinbrook, a state seat encompassing Townsville's northern suburbs and coastal areas toward Tully.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the result, stating that Townsville had "strongly backed Nick Dametto" and expressing his government's anticipation of working with the new mayor "to deliver better outcomes for a great city."
The byelection was conducted as a full postal ballot, triggered by Thompson's resignation. Thompson, who had previously been disendorsed by One Nation before winning the mayoralty with support from conspiracy theorists, hinted that his political career might not be over. "This chapter may be closing, but the story isn't over," he wrote in a social media post congratulating Dametto.
A subsequent byelection for Dametto's former state seat of Hinchinbrook is scheduled for 29 November, presenting an important test for the Crisafulli government.
