Gordon Thomson (Christmas Island politician)
Australian politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gordon Sinclair Thomson is a civic leader on the Australian external territory of Christmas Island. His term as President of the Shire of Christmas Island ended in October 2025, a role he has held since 2013. Gordon came 3rd [1] receiving only 87- 1st preference votes [2]in the 2025 council election, and was subsequently replaced by Steven Pereira as Shire President. [3]
He previously served in the same position from 2003 to 2011. He is a member of the Australian Labor Party and has also served as the General Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers.[4][5] He has been general secretary since at least December 2011, when he served in an acting capacity.[6]
Political positions
Views on Australia
In a February 2020 interview with Guardian Australia, it was reported that Thomson had lived on Christmas Island for 22 years. He stated that the island was treated like a "colony", that it should be placed on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, and that residents should pursue free association with Australia as an alternative to the island's current status.[7] He stated that the local authorities of Christmas Island had not been consulates over moves by the federal government, which included Australians spending quarantine on Christmas Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.[8][9] The island has also been a host for people processing or appealing deportation from Australia, and called the detention of the asylum seekers there like Guantanamo Bay.[10]
Views on immigration
He has criticized deporting people who've served prison sentences in Australia but aren't citizens.[10] He also stated that people with the right to reside and work in Australia should be treated the same as formal citizens.[10]
Views on tourism
He has warned against relying too heavily on tourism, preferring that Christmas Island be used for productive purposes.[11] He highlighted a sustainable farm, and said that jobs needed to be created to incentivize people to stay on the island.[11]