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Mayor fined for disorderly conduct demands media apology
🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Mayor fined for disorderly conduct demands media apology

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto was issued a $1,036 fine for disorderly behavior following an incident at a Magnetic Island bar in June.
  • Dametto refused to apologize, stating the media should apologize for inaccurate reporting.
  • Police have concluded their investigation into the alleged altercation, and no charges have been laid.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has refused to apologize for a disorderly behavior fine, instead calling for media outlets to issue apologies for their reporting. Police issued Dametto a $1,036 infringement notice for public nuisance after an investigation into an alleged altercation with an LNP staffer at a bar on Magnetic Island in June.

I don't know what you want me to apologise for. The message of apology should probably be coming from the media right now.

— Nick DamettoTownsville Mayor Nick Dametto responding to questions about apologizing for a disorderly behavior fine.

When questioned about issuing a public apology, Dametto stated, "The message of apology should probably be coming from the media right now." He asserted that media coverage, particularly from News Corp's The Townsville Bulletin and Seven News, had been inaccurate. Dametto specifically refuted claims of a "bar brawl" or any physical assault, noting that the police investigation found no assault took place.

There was no bar brawl, if the Townsville Bulletin is here, there was no fight. There was no punch thrown in any situation. An investigation has found that no assault has taken place.

— Nick DamettoMayor Dametto refuting media reports about the incident at the Magnetic Island bar.

The police investigation into the incident, which occurred during a pub crawl, has been finalized without any charges being laid. Dametto expressed his dissatisfaction with the media's portrayal of the event, calling it "speculation" and "accusations." He indicated he has not yet received the fine notice and will decide whether to contest or pay it after consulting with his lawyer.

I don't feel like this incident or this scenario that played out has been portrayed truthfully and factually in the media. A lot of speculation, a lot of accusations made by the media.

— Nick DamettoMayor Dametto expressing his dissatisfaction with media coverage of the incident.

Adam Baillie, the LNP member for Townsville, whose staffer was involved in the alleged altercation, stated his focus remains on his staff's welfare. Baillie affirmed his ability to work with Dametto across all government levels, despite the incident. The Office of the Independent Assessor declined to comment on whether it was investigating the matter.

The mayor's conduct is a matter for the mayor to address. My focus has always been on the welfare of my staff.

— Adam BaillieLNP member for Townsville Adam Baillie commenting on the mayor's situation.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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