- In short: Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson says recent media reports about his Working With Vulnerable People status have taken a toll on his mental health.
- What's next: Danny Gibson says he will resign formally on Tuesday but will stay on as a councillor.
The mayor of Tasmania's second-largest city is resigning, citing a toll on his mental health following "vile attacks, stemming from media reports".
Danny Gibson, 39, said he had made the "difficult decision" to step down as the Mayor of Launceston.
Mr Gibson was first elected to the council in 2011, taking up the mayoral role last year.
He is also a former Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year.
In early April this year, the ABC reported that Mr Gibson's Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) status was under review.
This means he has been unable to work or volunteer with children while the process is being undertaken.
In a statement on his mayoral Facebook page, Mr Gibson said he had been "… the target of speculation, rumour and vile attacks, stemming from media reports and persistent and relentless questioning, about his WWVP registration".
"Claims and allegations are being made, not in a court of law, or by any authority, but online and through the ABC where I have little chance to properly defend myself," he said.
"I wish I had the strength to rise above it, to battle through it, but my mental health has reached breaking point.
"The focus has switched from the city to me and that is not what I stand for.
"It is clear that the individuals spreading smear, innuendo and outright lies about me will stop at nothing in their attempts to destroy me and my reputation."
Mr Gibson said there had as yet been "no final resolution" regarding his WWVP registration.
He said the issue had taken a toll on his wellbeing and had "become a distraction from the important work of the City of Launceston".
"I am devastated but I have reached the conclusion that my stepping down is in the best interests of Launceston and our local government sector," he said.
"Good governance is at the core of my leadership and I cannot lead appropriately with such misplaced focus.
"This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make … I have loved being mayor and I'm proud to have given my absolute all in the service of the community I love."
In a statement, the City of Launceston Council said Mr Gibson would resign from the position effective from Tuesday.
"In line with existing protocols, Deputy Mayor Matthew Garwood will now become acting mayor of the City of Launceston until a new election for mayor can be arranged by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission," the statement read.
"The council will work with the commission over coming weeks to finalise this process, and more details will be provided as they come to hand."
Theatre company sought advice
Alongside his work in local government, Mr Gibson has taught drama to young people at the local theatre.
He has also been heavily involved in local amateur dramatic company Encore Theatre, which has put on big musical theatre productions with large local casts.
Mr Gibson has directed, stage managed and acted in at least 14 Encore Theatre shows.
Earlier this year, Mr Gibson directed a show with people aged under 18.
In a previous statement on his mayoral Facebook page, Mr Gibson said he was "advised by E-mail late last month [March]" about the review.
The mayor directed Encore Theatre Company's musical of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at Launceston's Princess Theatre, which had opened on March 16 and had its closing performance on Saturday, April 1.
The Encore Theatre Company code of conduct requires all relevant production staff and volunteers to hold a current WWVP licence.
When asked by the ABC whether it had allowed Mr Gibson to direct Priscilla, Queen of the Desert without a valid WWVP licence — which would have been in breach of its code — Encore Theatre Company said it had not breached its code and had "complied with its legal obligations under the relevant Act".
"The production went during the period specified … however, as is standard theatre practice, the director's role ends when the show opens."
Encore Theatre said it was standard practice for child actors to be accompanied by a parent and chaperones when taking part in a performance.
Encore Theatre said despite not being a director once the show opened, Mr Gibson remained "involved in the show in a different capacity".
"Upon becoming aware of the 'review' Encore very promptly sought advice from the relevant department concerning its obligations under the legislation and what to do having regard to Danny's then involvement."
Encore Theatre said it acted in accordance with that advice and complied with its legal obligations.
Mr Gibson is currently not a member of the production team for Encore Theatre's next show, with production teams selected on a "show-by-show basis".
"Danny's involvement on a production team would be a matter for those involved in selection at the relevant time," the company said.
Anyone with further information on this story can contact the journalist via email: mclennan.april@abc.net.au
