Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood asks Danny Gibson to resign from council following unwanted sexual advances allegations

The Launceston Mayor has called for Councillor Danny Gibson to step down in the wake of serious allegations published in the media last week. But some councillors disagree with the mayor.

Launceston Councillor Danny Gibson, pictured at the Cataract Gorge in 2022. Picture: Facebook

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood has called for Councillor Danny Gibson to step down from his role in the wake of serious allegations published in the media last week.

In a series of articles from the ABC, Mr Gibson was alleged as “making unwanted sexual advances” towards three young men in the Launceston theatre scene.

One anonymous male complainant said his relationship with Mr Gibson allegedly became sexual in nature as the pair exchanged nude photos and explicit messages, while Steven Thomas alleged that Mr Gibson made unwanted advances on him at a theatre after-party in 2015 before apologising.

Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson and Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood at the site of the new Launceston Tennis, Community, and Events Centre. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Mr Garwood said that while the council does not have a legal mechanism to remove elected representatives, he had written to Mr Gibson requesting that he resign from his position.

“I’ve been informed Councillor 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 Councillor Gibson to step down from his role as a councillor,” Mr Garwood said.

“It’s important that the City of Launceston continues to move forward on behalf of our municipality, and we need our residents to have trust in the leadership of our elected representatives.

“While I have no power to force any councillor to resign, I have written to Councillor 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.”

During the last Launceston Council meeting, Councillor Joe Pentridge said while he and other councillors took abuse allegations very seriously, he would continue to support Mr Gibson until formal charges had been laid.

“I’m treading on thin ice here, but then again, I normally do. There have been some allegations made, but I personally have a lot of respect for his ability and all the time he puts into this facility,” Mr Pentridge said.

“He’s got my support until such time has proven otherwise. That’s all I should say.”

Mr Gibson resigned as mayor in 2023 after just seven months in the role, citing relentless attacks and speculation as making his position as mayor no longer tenable.

At the time, Mr Gibson said that his decision stemmed from ongoing uncertainty over a Department of Justice review of his Working with Vulnerable People registration, which resulted in “vitriolic commentary on social media from some segments of the community”.

Mr Gibson has been contacted for comment.