A former Australian mayor, who was found to have misled voters about his background, also used unsubstantiated claims of an epilepsy diagnosis to endorse a wellness product sold by a business linked to his partner.
CCC Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Misleading Claims
The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) last week published findings from its probe into Troy Thompson, the controversial former mayor of Townsville. The report concluded he had misled the electorate about a cancer diagnosis, his military history, and his university qualifications.
Critically, the CCC also stated there was "no direct evidence" to support Thompson's claims that he had been diagnosed with epilepsy or had received specialist treatment for the condition. While the report noted he suffered apparent seizures in 2023, took medication, and had a GP-endorsed management plan, it found no proof of a formal diagnosis.
Epilepsy Claims Tied to Product Endorsement
The watchdog's assertion that Thompson had not previously referenced epilepsy appears to be incorrect. The Guardian has uncovered now-deleted social media posts from early 2024, during his campaign, where he claimed his condition was successfully managed by wearing a specific pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) bracelet.
In these posts, Thompson described the device as life-changing for his epilepsy, stating that without it, "he certainly wouldn’t be able to run for Mayor of Townsville." He insisted the video was "not an ad."
However, the product endorsement was used to market the bracelet through a multi-level marketing wellness operation. The business, in which Thompson's partner Michelle Blythe was involved, promoted the mayor's alleged diagnosis to sell the "CM2 band," claiming he "100% endorses this product."
Political Fallout and Legal Action
Thompson served as mayor from March 2024 until his resignation in September 2025. His tenure was marred by controversy over the embellished claims identified by the CCC. He was suspended on full pay in November 2024 during the investigation.
Following his resignation, a byelection was held and won by former Katter's Australian Party MP Nick Dametto. Thompson, who renominated, received only 4.95% of the vote.
Furthermore, Thompson's epilepsy claims formed a central part of a $1.02m 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 told the CCC he denies any misconduct or criminal offence. No criminal proceedings have been launched. Both Thompson and Blythe were contacted for comment on this story.
