Townsville Mayor Downplays Assault Allegations Amid Police Probe

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has broken his six-day silence regarding an alleged assault investigation, stating that reports of the incident have been "over inflated."

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What I've read has been one of the most over inflated re-enactments or accounts of any story that may have happened.

Queensland police are investigating an alleged altercation on June 7 at a Magnetic Island venue. The incident reportedly involved the 42-year-old mayor and a 28-year-old man, who is a staffer for Townsville MP Adam Baillie. The mayor, the staffer, and Mr. Baillie were all attending a pub crawl on the island at the time.

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For me adding further comment would only be adding speculation to that, so all I can say is I won't be making any further comment.

Speaking at a press conference, Cr Dametto said he did not expect to be charged with assault. He described the media accounts of the event as an "over inflated re-enactment or account." The mayor emphasized that he has continued his work and is busy preparing the Townsville City Council's $1 billion budget for delivery on Wednesday.

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While these stories have been written, I have been working, getting out there and doing my job, getting out there to events and business as usual as far as I'm concerned.

Adam Baillie, the MP whose staffer was allegedly involved, stressed the importance of a positive working relationship with the mayor, stating, "It is my role to serve the constituency and that is what I will continue to do." A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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I don't expect anything of the sort.