Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff hands ousted attorney-general Elise Archer ultimatum

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has demanded Elisa Archer declare her hand as he threatened a snap election unless she resigned or promised to support him.

The new Tasmanian government cabinet after Tuesday’s swearing-in at Government House. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has demanded Elise Archer declare her hand as he threatened a snap election before parliament resumed unless she resigned or promised to support him.

The premier’s ultimatum to Ms Archer – who is weighing up whether to return to parliament as an independent to support a no-confidence motion against the government – comes amid days of turmoil for Mr Rockliff.

“I want to be clear the only way parliament resumes is if Ms ­Archer resigns as she initially committed, or provides a written guarantee of confidence and supply,” Mr Rockliff said on Tuesday.

“We will not be returning to parliament unless either of these two actions occurs.”

Parliament is set to resume on October 17.

Newly announced Tasmanian Attorney-General Guy Barnett, left, Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Archer was forced to resign on Friday after The Australian revealed workplace bullying allegations made against her – allegations Ms Archer denies – and a string of offensive WhatsApp messages that appeared to have been sent by her.

It is understood Ms Archer is still weighing up her options, while her supporters argued she would “not be bullied” by the Premier and questioned Mr Rockliff’s ultimatum, saying she was an MP and had a right to return to parliament as she saw fit.

the premier’s hopes of returning with his new ministry to government unscathed diminished further, with two key crossbench MPs criticising his handling of the Ms Archer incident and subsequent ultimatum.

However, both stopped short of pulling their own confidence and supply agreements with Mr Rockliff’s government.

Independent, but former Liberal, MP John Tucker – whose vote is key to keeping the Rockliff government in power – told the ABC the premier’s position had become untenable.

“I think this is one of those times where (Deputy Premier) Ferguson needs to stand up and challenge the premier -- I think that he’s the only one at the present moment that could step up and take on that role,” Mr Tucker said.

Fellow Liberal-turned-independent Lara Alexander said an election was the best outcome.

At his new ministry’s swearing-in – the Premier announced a six-move reshuffle on Monday – Mr Rockliff said he “recognised the disruption of the last few days”.

“There might be a need for an election… (unless) Ms Archer provides confidence and supply, or resigns as publicly stated,” he said.

Newly appointed Attorney-General Guy Barnett said he was not distracted by prospects of an early election. “The Premier’s made it clear, we’ve got a lot to do, a job of governing, and rolling out the recommendations of the commission of inquiry as a top priority,” Mr Barnett said. “It’s a matter for her (Ms Archer).”

Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker, left, and Mr Barnett (centre front) at Government House on Tuesday. Picture: Chris Kidd

A senior Tasmanian Liberal – speaking on the condition of anonymity – criticised both the Premier and the former attorney-general.

“It’s a weak look for the Premier, who has put it into Ms Archer’s hands,” they said.

“However, if (Ms Archer) wants their legacy to be that of bringing down a Liberal government, that’s their call.”

On Tuesday, the Labor opposition alleged the Premier had been aware of the bullying ­allegations made against Ms ­Archer prior to December 2022.

“A Right to Information shows that the Premier was aware of bullying allegations against Ms Archer prior to December 2022,” said opposition energy spokesman Dean Winter, who also asked whether Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson was preparing a leadership tilt.

“The Premier sat on this (RTI) and didn’t act until it became public,” he said.

Ousted attorney-general Elise Archer. Picture: Chris Kidd

A government source said the RTI document relating to a bullying issue did not involve alle­gations against Ms Archer.

Mr Winter said the political disruption showed it was a “government at war with itself” and the opposition wasn’t sure what Ms Archer was set to do.

“Tasmanians didn’t vote for a chaotic minority government that’s not doing its job,” he said.

Political strategist and former president of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger said it was a “hostage situation”.

“The Premier shouldn’t be allowing himself to be held hostage to a rogue MP,” Mr Kroger said.

“It’s very damaging – it gives off the impression of dysfunction.”

Labor’s Dean Winter speaks on Tuesday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Political strategist Bruce Hawker said the situation was more damaging by the day.

“The longer this draws out, the more confirmed the electorate will be that the government is unstable and thus unworthy of power,” he said.

“Politically, anyone who isn’t the government or a Liberal MP will benefit from this.”

Mr Hawker suggested the best move would be for Mr Rockliff to either call Ms Archer’s “bluff” or accept her decision.

“He can’t hold out forever, he would be better placed to look strong, bring on the issue and see what she does,” he said.

Mr Rockliff also denied that the Liberal Party had a “problem with women”, something which Ms Archer has accused it of in recent days – seven of the nine current ministers are men.