Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto breaks silence on assault investigation

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto says reports he was involved in an altercation with an LNP staffer have been "over inflated". Queensland police are investigating an alleged assault involving the mayor and a 28-year-old man at Magnetic Island. What's next? The mayor says he is continuing to work and has since spoken to the LNP politician whose staff member was allegedly involved. Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto says he does not expect to be charged with assault as Queensland police investigate his involvement in an alleged altercation at Magnetic Island. After six days of offering "no comment" to media organisations, the mayor addressed the matter at a press conference today. "What I've read has been one of the most over inflated re-enactments or accounts of any story that may have happened," Cr Dametto said. "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. "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." Loading... Mayor does not expect charges Investigations are continuing into reports of an incident at a Nelly Bay venue on June 7. The alleged altercation involved the 42-year-old councillor and a 28-year-old LNP staffer. The 28-year-old staffer works for Townsville MP Adam Baillie. The mayor, staffer and Mr Baillie were attending a Townsville to Magnetic Island pub crawl on June 7. Cr Dametto said he "absolutely" expected to maintain a constructive working relationship with Mr Baillie. The mayor was asked if he expected to be charged with assault. "I don't expect anything of the sort," he said. Cr Dametto said he had widespread support from the city and was busy preparing the $1 billion Townsville City Council budget for delivery on Wednesday. "Over the last week we have been preparing for what is going to be one of the biggest budgets in this council's history," he said. At a press conference on Monday, Adam Baillie did not directly address the incident. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the mayor. "It is important that we continue to work together, we are always looking to better Townsville," the MP said. "It is my role to serve the constituency and that is what I will continue to do." A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said investigations into the incident were ongoing.