Townsville's newly elected Mayor, Nick Dametto, is set for his first significant political test this week. The Katter's Australian Party member must secure council support to appoint two political advisers to his office, a move that will shape his early administration.
The Crucial Council Vote
A report scheduled for Tuesday's council meeting recommends the creation of two new temporary positions: a Principal Political Adviser and a Media and Communications Adviser. These roles are deemed essential for supporting the mayor's political and strategic functions. The proposed salaries are substantial, with the principal adviser role set at a total remuneration package of $205,000 and the media adviser at $145,000.
This vote represents Mayor Dametto's initial challenge in building his governing team. Having served as a councillor for four years before his mayoral victory, he now requires the backing of his colleagues to establish his office's core political staff. The outcome will be a clear indicator of his support within the council chamber.
Financial Implications and Council Dynamics
The funding for these positions is proposed to come from the existing Office of the Mayor budget. This financial year, the cost would be approximately $175,000, covering the period from appointment until the end of June. The full annual cost in future budgets is estimated at around $350,000.
Council CEO Sonia Shuster emphasised the necessity of these roles in her report. She stated the positions are required to provide dedicated support for the mayor's political duties, which are distinct from the administrative functions handled by existing council staff. The report argues that without such specialised support, the mayor's ability to fulfil his elected mandate could be compromised.
A Defining Moment for the New Mayor
This vote is more than a simple staffing decision; it is a pivotal moment for Mayor Dametto's leadership. A successful vote will equip him with a dedicated political team to advance his agenda and communicate with constituents. A failure would represent a significant early setback, forcing him to operate without key political support.
The decision follows Dametto's election victory where he defeated former deputy mayor Mark Molachino. His platform focused on strong leadership for the city, and the approval of these advisers is seen as a foundational step in delivering on those promises. All eyes will be on the council chamber this Tuesday to see if the new mayor can rally the necessary votes to pass his first major proposal.
