The Queensland government has appointed an advisor to assist Townsville City Council in the state's north following months of friction and reminded them to act like adults.
There have been ongoing issues between councillors and Mayor Troy Thompson since he was elected in March.
Mr Thompson is being investigated by the state's corruption watchdog over matters including his mayoral campaign claims that he had served in the army.
Council colleagues unanimously voted for him to step down in June just days after Mr Thompson conceded in a Nine Network TV interview that he had misled voters about his army record, blaming "100-plus" concussions.
There have been ongoing issues between councillors and Townsville's mayor since he was elected. (Fraser Barton/AAP PHOTOS)
Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have said Mr Thompson's role was untenable.
The Crime and Corruption Commission has not made any findings against Mr Thompson.
One of Mr Thompson's colleagues told NewsCorp the mayor had issued a list of demands and would ask the state government to dissolve the council, sparking a by-election, if they were not met.
The demands reportedly included supporting a mayoral advisor.
Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon appointed the advisor but said she would not make any more decisions until the corruption watchdog completed its investigation.
"We're all adults," she told reporters.
"I expect mayors and councillors to act in the best interest of what they are elected to do, which is to represent the people of Townsville.
"A number of matters have been referred to the CCC - that is the appropriate body to investigate.
"I'll await for potential investigation or finding until I determine whether there is any additional steps I need to take."
Mr Thompson welcomed the advisor's appointment, saying there was a "real need" to assist the council.
"We have a situation where councillors blame me for everything," he said in a post on Facebook.
"At the same time, all I want to do is work with them for the betterment of the city.
"And under this circumstance, it is appropriate that we now have a statutory advisor to assist councillors in complying with the laws."
A local government department spokesperson said the advisor would assist the council in good governance and ensure "effective operations" of meetings.
The advisor's appointment is for an initial period of six months.
"It is very clear that after the councillors all refused to agree to work with me for benefit of the residents, they now need to have someone holding their hand to do that," Mr Thompson said.
15°C