Launceston mayor Danny Gibson’s working with vulnerable children registration under review

A Tasmanian mayor has spoken out after his working with vulnerable children registration was placed under review by the Department of Justice.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson. Picture: Facebook

A Tasmanian mayor says he has not been informed by the Department of Justice why his working with vulnerable children registration was placed under review in late March.

The City of Launceston’s general manager says a review of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson’s working with vulnerable children registration is a “private matter”.

Mr Gibson himself said he had no idea why the Department of Justice had placed his registration under review in late March.

On Wednesday morning, ABC News revealed the Department of Justice was undertaking a review of Mr Gibson’s registration.

The Mercury has individually verified the status of Mr Gibson’s registration, which he holds to undertake work in coaching and tuition in performing arts.

He has just finished directing Theatre North’s season of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical at Launceston’s Princess Theatre.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson.

Mr Gibson addressed the development on his mayoral Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was advised by email late last month that my Working with Vulnerable People registration was being reviewed by the Department of Justice,” he said.

“I was not, and have not been, advised as to why this review is being conducted.

“This matter is now being played out publicly and weaponised in an environment dominated by rumour and innuendo.

“As I hope you and the community know, I am a fierce advocate for children and their rights. I am also a strong believer in the need for us as a society to have protections in place for vulnerable people.

“I have had no further information provided to me from the Department in relation to this matter, except that the review is scheduled to be concluded late this month.

“I intend to continue to fulfil my mayoral duties and I am, of course, complying with all obligations under the Registration to Work With Vulnerable People Act 2013 while this review takes place.

“I will not be making any further comment on this matter, at this time.

“As planned, I will be taking the Easter holidays to rest and recharge.”

In a statement, City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said Mr Gibson did not need a WWVC registration to perform his mayoral duties.

“From the City of Launceston’s perspective, this is a private matter and as such, the Council will not be making any further comment at this time other than to say it is disappointing that what should be a confidential process is being played out through the media,” he said.

Mr Gibson became mayor of Launceston last year after long-time mayor Albert van Zetten retired.

Mr Gibson was previously deputy mayor, and prior to that worked various roles in the creative and education industries.