Queensland Police are investigating an alleged assault involving Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto following an incident on Magnetic Island earlier this week.
Police confirmed they were looking into reports of an altercation that allegedly took place at a business on Nelly Bay Road on Sunday afternoon. According to a Queensland Police spokesperson, initial inquiries indicate an incident occurred involving a 42-year-old man and a 28-year-old man. No charges have been laid, and investigations remain ongoing.
The matter has attracted widespread attention after media reports identified Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto as one of the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. However, Dametto has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
When questioned by local media earlier this week about reports of a physical altercation, Dametto responded: "No, I don't believe I was." He later declined to provide any further comment on the allegations.
Several witnesses reportedly told media outlets they observed a confrontation at a venue on Magnetic Island during a social gathering attended by multiple people. Witness accounts have varied, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
The incident is also understood to have involved a staff member connected to the office of Townsville MP Adam Baillie, although Baillie himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing. The Queensland MP declined to discuss the details publicly but issued a statement indicating that the welfare of his staff remained a priority.
Queensland's Local Government Minister Ann Leahy described the matter as one for the appropriate authorities to investigate, while Opposition figures stated that elected representatives should provide clear explanations when allegations of misconduct arise.
The case could potentially be referred to the Office of the Independent Assessor, the body responsible for investigating complaints regarding councillor conduct in Queensland.
Nick Dametto was elected as Mayor of Townsville in late 2025 following a high-profile by-election. Before entering local government, he served as the Member for Hinchinbrook in the Queensland Parliament and previously held the role of deputy leader of the Katter's Australian Party.
Queensland Police have urged anyone with information relating to the incident to contact investigators. Authorities have assigned the matter a police reference number, and officers continue to examine witness statements and any available evidence.
At this stage:
* No criminal charges have been laid. * The investigation remains active. * Mayor Nick Dametto denies involvement in a brawl. * Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation is ongoing, further details may emerge in the coming days. Until any legal proceedings occur, the allegations remain unproven.
The incident has generated significant public interest in Townsville, particularly given the mayor's prominent role within the local community. Residents are now awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and any findings that may follow from relevant oversight bodies.
