The former mayor of Townsville, Troy Thompson, promoted a pulsed electromagnetic field bracelet as a treatment for epilepsy through a multi-level marketing business connected to his partner, an investigation has found. This occurred despite a Queensland corruption watchdog concluding there was no direct evidence he had ever received a formal diagnosis for the condition.
CCC Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Misleading Claims
The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) last week published findings from its probe into Thompson, who served as mayor from March 2024 until his resignation in September 2025. The report determined he had misled voters about several aspects of his background, including a cancer diagnosis, his military service, and his university qualifications.
Regarding the epilepsy claims, the CCC stated it found no evidence to support that Thompson had been diagnosed with epilepsy or received specialist treatment for it. The report noted he had suffered apparent seizures in 2023, taken anti-seizure medication, and had a GP-endorsed epilepsy management plan, but this fell short of a confirmed diagnosis.
The CCC claimed Thompson first publicly referenced having epilepsy in a November 2024 television interview. However, this assertion has been challenged.
Deleted Social Media Posts Reveal Product Endorsement
Guardian Australia has uncovered now-deleted social media posts from early 2024, during Thompson's mayoral campaign, in which he directly credited the 'CM2' pulsed electromagnetic field bracelet with successfully managing his epilepsy. In a video, he described it as "not an ad."
The posts were linked to a wellness business that his partner, Michelle Blythe, was involved with. The business page used Thompson's endorsement to advertise the "life changing" bracelet, stating he would "proudly wearing his CM2 band to all events as he 100% endorses this product."
One post claimed: "Recently diagnosed with epilepsy, Troy suffered with constant dizzy spells... Almost immediately Troy found there to be a substantial difference in his energy and steadiness after putting on the band many months ago. Without it, he certainly wouldn’t be able to run for Mayor of Townsville."
Political Fallout and Legal Action
Thompson's short tenure as mayor was marked by controversy over the embellishment of his personal history. He was suspended on full pay in November 2024 pending the CCC investigation and ultimately resigned in September 2025.
Following a byelection, he attempted to regain the position but secured only 4.95% of the vote, with the seat won by former Katter's Australian Party MP Nick Dametto.
Thompson's claims of having epilepsy also formed a central part of a $1.02 million workplace discrimination case he lodged against Townsville City Council. He alleged discrimination based on his epilepsy, mental health, and political beliefs after being locked out of his council office.
Thompson's lawyers have told the CCC he denies committing any misconduct or criminal offence. No criminal proceedings have been initiated. Both Thompson and Blythe were contacted for comment regarding the bracelet endorsements.
