Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood has renewed his call for the resignation of his predecessor Councillor Danny Gibson following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Speaking in Civic Square on Tuesday, Garwood said Gibson has continually refused to publicly address the allegations and has also refused to resign.
Garwood’s comments come after multiple serious misconduct allegations against Gibson, none of which have resulted in any charges being laid.
“It’s impossible for me to overstate how shocked and concerned we are, the City of Launceston, by the information about Councillor Danny Gibson published … this morning,” Garwood said.
“Firstly, I want to make it very clear that we support all victims and their voices to be heard and action to be taken against predators.”
Claims have previously been made that Gibson made unwanted advances towards people, many involved in the Launceston theatre scene.
New reports on Tuesday indicated the Department of Justice threatened to revoke his Working with Vulnerable People registration after undertaking a review, deeming him an “unacceptable risk of harm” to vulnerable people, including children.
Gibson later stepped down as Launceston mayor in 2023, citing relentless attacks and speculation. He is yet to make any public comment on the allegations.
“When allegations of predatory behaviour by Councillor Danny Gibson were first published … in September last year, I wrote to Councillor Gibson and told him his position, in my opinion, was untenable and I asked him to resign, particularly given his refusal to address the allegations,” Garwood said on Tuesday.
“Councillor Gibson did not take my advice and remains a sitting councillor. It is important for our community and ratepayers to understand that under the Local Government Act the Council has no ability to remove Councillor Gibson.”
Garwood said Gibson’s position on council was “untenable”.
“I believe it necessary that Councillor Gibson addresses these incredibly serious matters in his own time, however he sees fit, outside the responsibilities and leadership required of representatives of this community,” he said.
Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch on Tuesday said any allegations were “very serious and very distressing”.
“They need to be handled sensitively by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
“As I understand it and I’m advised, the [Local Government] Act doesn’t provide for the government or the minister to dismiss a councillor.”
“That’s a feature of the legislation as it is at the moment. We need to let those processes run their course and everybody to act on their best judgement on this issue.”
Last year, councillors pressed new council CEO Sam Johnson over expenses paid on Gibson’s behalf by the former senior leadership team.
The City of Launceston has paid $15,000 on his behalf, including $9,034.91 for legal advice and $4,867.50 to a PR firm.
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