Allegations reemerge over former Launceston mayor’s past relationships with young men

ABC NEWS (Australia)

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.

Transcript

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

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