Elise Archer billboard in North Hobart fuels speculation she could attempt political comeback

Former Attorney-General Elise Archer, who resigned from state parliament in October after a tense stand-off with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, is officially back in the public eye – but why now?

Elise Archer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The face of former Clark Liberal MP Elise Archer can now be seen smiling down on motorists and pedestrians from a billboard in North Hobart, fuelling speculation she could be considering a political comeback.

The ex-Attorney-General, who resigned from state parliament in October, has posted a message on the electronic billboard above the Winston pub on the corner of Elizabeth and Federal streets.

“Thank you for your messages of support. Have a wonderful festive season,” it says, accompanied by a picture of a beaming Ms Archer.

The 52-year-old quit the Liberal Party and resigned from state parliament in October after allegations of workplace bullying were aired in the media, as well as leaked texts showing she had appeared to make disparaging comments about Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s leadership.

Christmas message billboard by Elise Archer above Winston Hotel, Elizabeth Street, North Hobart. Picture: Craig Herbert.

Ms Archer has denied the bullying allegations.

She was also criticised for an exasperated remark about victim-survivors of child sexual abuse, made over WhatsApp amid the Commission of Inquiry, which she later said was taken out of context.

Ms Archer briefly threatened to walk back her decision to leave parliament, saying she could choose to sit as an independent, which would have triggered an early election. However, she eventually confirmed her resignation.

While the billboard is not an explicit indication that she will run as an independent candidate at the next election, veteran political analyst Professor Richard Herr said Ms Archer may be using it as a way of “testing the waters”.

Former Attorney-General Elise Archer and Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Does she get a lot of commentary back that says, ‘Gee, we wish you were still available and we’d support you if you were’?” he said.

“It seems more likely than not that there will be an election [soon] and if she wanted to test the waters, this would be one useful way of reminding people of who she is and of her career.

“As [independent MP] Kristie Johnston has shown, and, indeed, Andrew Wilkie, Clark isn’t a rusted-on party seat.”

The House of Assembly will be restored to 35 seats at the next election, meaning electors will vote for seven candidates in each electorate instead of five, potentially opening up opportunities for greater numbers of independents to win seats.

Political analyst Kevin Bonham.

Psephologist Kevin Bonham said Clark had the “potential” to return two independents but it would be “difficult” for Ms Archer to be elected, even though she had attracted a strong personal vote in the past.

“While she used to get quite a high vote, that high vote was mostly coming from Liberal voters for whom she was the most prominent Liberal,” Dr Bonham said.

“I don’t think it was a personal vote for her from people who would not have otherwise voted for the Liberal Party. And I think that a lot of those [votes] will be non-transferable. They’ll go to some other Liberal.”

Ms Archer was contacted for comment.