An ABC investigation has detailed historical allegations made by young men against a Tasmanian theatre production manager and former Launceston mayor. Danny Gibson was elected mayor in 2022 before stepping down in May last year.
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00:00Multiple people have told the ABC that former mayor and current Launceston City Councillor
00:07Danny Gibson made unwanted sexual advances towards them when they were young men, including
00:13through physical contact, phone calls and text messages.
00:17Mr Gibson stepped down as mayor last year, shortly after the ABC put questions to him
00:23about some of these historical allegations. But he remains on council, and one complainant
00:28wants to see him stripped of all leadership positions.
00:31Mr Gibson is alleged to have made unwanted sexual advances, including through physical
00:35contact at theatre after parties and by sending sexually explicit text messages to a school
00:41theatre student he first met at Launceston College.
00:45Councillor Gibson did not attend today's Launceston Council meeting, but the historical allegations
00:50were discussed.
00:52It's a very difficult day for councillors today and for indeed all council staff and
00:57for the Tasmanian community who have read and understood the serious implications of
01:02the allegations that have been made. We do take it very seriously.
01:06There's been some allegations made. I personally have a lot of respect for his ability and
01:13the time he puts into this facility and he's got my support until such time as proven otherwise.
01:21Tasmania's Education Minister was asked if the Education Department was aware of historical
01:25allegations that Mr Gibson had been sexting a theatre student. Ms Palmer said the department
01:30was following proper processes.
01:33It's always distressing when we hear accusations like this, but there are proper processes
01:38that must be followed. And of course, first and foremost, any allegation like this must
01:44be reported to the appropriate authorities.
01:47Mr Gibson has been contacted for comment, but he did not respond.
01:55For more information visit www.tasmaniancouncil.org