Analysis: How Vickie Chapman could return as Deputy Premier

There’s only one path for Vickie Chapman be reinstated as deputy premier, writes Paul Starick – but it’s a narrow one.

The door is still open for outgoing Attorney-General Vickie Chapman to return as the ­Liberal deputy leader – but it’s only very slightly ajar.

Senior Liberals told The Advertiser there were strong doubts about Ms Chapman’s ability to withstand an Ombudsman’s investigation without suffering political damage too severe for Premier Steven Marshall to reinstate her to the ministry.

There is particular concern about accusations that she has misled parliament over questions relating to her refusal in August to allow a port to be built on Kangaroo Island.

Vickie Chapman with Steven Marshall last week during question time. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr Marshall’s repeatedly declared confidence that Ms Chapman will be exonerated is not shared by some senior Liberals, who caution that the Ombudsman is highly regarded for searching and rigorous inquiries.

Anything other than a complete and exhaustive exoneration will complicate Mr Marshall’s desire to reinstate his former deputy to cabinet.

There are differing views about the duration of the crucial Ombudsman’s inquiry. Some believe, perhaps more in hope, that it will stretch for months – even beyond next March’s state election. Others expect it to be over relatively quickly, because the select committee that investigated Ms Chapman gathered substantial amounts of evidence and was assisted by Dr Rachael Gray QC’s preparation of ­material in a legal format.

Some Liberals are having a wry chuckle about Speaker Dan Cregan, who likely would have replaced Ms Chapman as Attorney-General had he not turned independent and ousted her replacement, Josh Teague, as Speaker.