Launceston councillors push for probe into Danny Gibson’s legal fees amid ‘sexual misconduct’ allegations

Launceston council discussed the use of ratepayer funds to cover legal and PR fees of Danny Gibson while the former mayor remained absent from Thursday’s meeting.

Embattled Launceston councillor Danny Gibson has remained absent from the recent council meeting on approved leave amid an ongoing alleged misconduct saga. Picture: Facebook

Embattled Launceston councillor Danny Gibson has remained absent from the recent council meeting on approved leave amid an ongoing alleged misconduct saga.

The former Launceston Mayor had been facing pressure to resign in the wake of serious allegations published in the media in early September when a few people alleged that Mr Gibson made unwanted advances towards them.

None of the alleged misconduct occurred while Mr Gibson was on official council duties – and no criminal charges have been laid.

As a result of the defamatory claims, the City of Launceston council has spent thousands of dollars on legal fees and public relations advice on behalf of Mr Gibson in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Launceston council chief executive officer Sam Johnson. Picture: Supplied/City of Launceston Council

Launceston Council chief executive Sam Johnson said the former chief executive and former acting chief executive approved the payment of $9034.91 for legal fees incurred by Mr Gibson.

“I’ve been made aware that the City of Launceston paid an invoice amounting to $4867.50 in June last year to a public relations firm relating to services provided to Councillor Gibson,” he said.

“As chief executive officer, I am aware that councillors are only entitled to be reimbursed for certain expenses in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

“I have not authorised and will not be authorising any payments which are inconsistent with that legislation.”

During the latest council meeting on Thursday, Councillor Tim Walker called for an investigation into the use of ratepayer funds for Mr Gibson.

Tim Walker will be running for Launceston mayor. Picture: Tim Walker.

“I’d like to ask what steps are being taken to understand the details that do surround the councillor costs associated with the payments made to or on behalf of Councillor Gibson,” Mr Walker said.

“What provisions are there that would allow this reimbursement or payment to be made on behalf of this councillor?

“And would the Mayor and the CEO commit to a robust, open, full, and frank independent investigation or audit into the payments made and seek recommendations to ensure that the situation is completely understood.”

Mr Johnson said that while he could not comment on Mr Gibson’s situation, the council would be forthcoming with details on what had transpired.

“I’m mindful of some confidentiality provisions that sit around what is currently being worked on, so I won’t be discussing that in a public arena, but I can assure you that there are appropriate processes, respecting privacy in all situations, and further information will be coming forthcoming to council,” Mr Johnson said.

Mr Johnson said he was now working to create a report outlining the detailed costings during a closed council session.

“Without breaching any legal privilege and confidentiality, the report process is underway,” he said.

“Councillor Walker, I’m certainly happy to work with you or any of your colleagues in relation to a specific motion or motions that would actually outline the scope of this particular order.

“But what I can share is that as a result of what we are doing, we are looking at system and process enhancements of which will include some policy changes and potentially inclusion of new policies for council to consider, which will also display any payments made to any Council, including what’s entitled under the Local Government Act 1993.”

Former Mayor Danny Gibson stepped down from his LGAT position. Picture: CHRISTOPHER TESTA.

The week prior, Mr Gibson resigned from the Local Government Association of Tasmania. He was elected as the northern representative on LGAT’s General Management Committee in June 2021.

LGAT chief executive Dion Lester said that Meander Valley Council Mayor Wayne Johnston would assume the Northern representative role until the next GMC election, which would be in July 2025.

“Councillor Gibson resigned from his role as the Northern Region representative on LGAT’s General Management Committee late last week for personal reasons,” Ms Dion said.

Mr Gibson has not resigned from his position on the council and has a medical certificate to support his absence.

He has been contacted for comment.