The mayor of Tasmania’s second-largest city has written to one of his councillors asking them to resign, following an ABC investigation.
The request came from City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood after allegations of historical inappropriate conduct from Cr Gibson towards young men in the theatre scene.
Multiple people have told the ABC that Cr Gibson made unwanted advances to them, including through physical contact, phone calls and text messages.
Cr Gibson is an influential Tasmanian theatre director and actor outside of his local government work.
In a statement to the ABC, Cr Garwood said he understood Cr Gibson “intends to take a period of leave following last week’s media reporting.”
“But councillors and I have formed the view that it is in the best interests of the Council and wider community for Cr Gibson to step down from his role,” he said.
“It’s important that the City of Launceston continues to move forward on behalf of our municipality.
“While I have no power to force any councillor to resign, I have written to Cr Gibson asking him to stand down.
“This will also allow him the time and focus required to deal with the allegations made, and allow our Council to continue with its work in the best interests of our community.”
Cr Gibson has worked as a director, stage manager or actor in more than a dozen shows for local amateur dramatic company Encore Theatre. (Supplied: Encore Theatre)
Former mayor active in theatre scene
Cr Gibson, a former Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year, was elected to City of Launceston Council in 2011. He has for years taught drama to young people at the Stage Right Youth Theatre, alongside his local government work.
Danny Gibson resigned as mayor in 2023, not long after the ABC put allegations to him. (City of Launceston)
He was also involved as a director, stage manager or actor in more than a dozen shows for local amateur dramatic company Encore Theatre, which has put on musical theatre productions with large local casts.
He was elected Launceston mayor in 2022 before stepping down in May last year.
At the time, he said he was stepping down due to the effect of “vile attacks, stemming from media reports” was having on his mental health.
Cr Gibson’s resignation as mayor came a week after the ABC put questions to the former mayor regarding some of the allegations included within its investigation.
Cr Gibson has been contacted for comment.
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