He was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and briefly served as a Senator for New South Wales in 1925, filling the casual vacancy caused by the death of Jack Power.

On his return he found work as a miner at Cobar, New South Wales, where he became involved in the labour movement.

[1] Gibbs had received the endorsement of ALP leader Jack Lang for the vacancy on the understanding that he would not contest the 1925 election.

[1] He subsequently reneged on his promise and nominated for preselection, winning a position on the party's Senate ticket.

He stood unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives at the 1931 federal election as an anti-Lang candidate, running in the seat of Parkes.

[1] After leaving parliament, Gibbs worked as a labourer and clerk, also receiving a part military pension from 1936.