Tasmanian politics: Elise Archer to officially resign from parliament
The Liberal Government has shut down Labor’s claims that former Attorney-General Elise Archer was threatened and that it should lead to an investigation. LATEST
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The suggestion of threats being made to force an MP to quit parliament is a serious matter and should be investigated by police or the Integrity Commission, Labor leader Rebecca White says.
Former Attorney-General Elise Archer referred to “threatening behaviour from the Premier” in the statement announcing her intention to resign from parliament.
But the government has rejected Labor’s call as “scuttlebutt and troublemaking”.
“This is the right decision for me personally, knowing the types of threats and tactics adopted by this government recently are likely to continue,” she said.
Ms Archer’s resignation was received by the Governor on Wednesday.
A recount in Clark will take place on October 23, with a result expected the following day. Parliament resumes on October 17, leaving the Liberals down one MP for a week.
Labor has offered a “pair”, by which one member abstains to offset the temporary disadvantage the government faced.
Labor MP Shane Broad posted a reference on social media to section 70 of the Criminal Code Act, which related to unlawfully influencing a member of parliament “directly or indirectly, by fraud, or by threats or intimidation of any kind”.
Ms White told journalists on Thursday Ms Archer’s claims should be investigated.
“We are interested to understand whether there are legal implications from that threat that was made by the Premier to the Attorney-General. I think these are serious matters that deserve further investigation.
“If Ms Archer feels that threats have been made against her, she’s well within her rights to raise them with the police or the Integrity Commission and I suspect she is considering all options.
“I don’t think you’ve seen the end of this. This is a government that is plagued by internal divisions. We’ve seen them play out very publicly in the last week.
“However, I feel that there are still matters that are going to continue to plague this government as we go forward and the prospect of an early election, unfortunately for Tasmanians, who are looking for certainty, isn’t off the cards.”
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson said the government had no case to answer.
“This is more scuttlebutt and troublemaking from the Labor Party, who by the way, in the last few days, have not held back their own demands for clarity from Elise Archer,” he said.
“So there’s been no intended threat whatsoever. What we have been doing is focusing on ensuring stability and the ability for the government to continue to deliver on our plan.
“Rebecca White and others just want to have their fun with politics, the government’s been focused on the very serious business of sorting out these matters and making sure that the parliament can return confidently and get get back onto the job.”
Ms White foreshadowed the possibility of a no-confidence motion against the Liberals, which could topple the government when Parliament returns on October 17.
“I don’t think anyone can have confidence in this Premier, certainly Ms Archer doesn’t,” she said.
“We’ve heard from [Liberal defectors] John Tucker and Lara Alexander, that they’re questioning whether they maintain confidence in this government and this Premier, and the Labor Party does not have confidence in this government or this Premier.
“I think it is incumbent on the parliament to test whether or not this Premier does maintain the confidence of the broader Parliament because if he doesn’t, how can we continue to have confidence that his government?”
GONE: Archer’s parting barbs as she decides to quit
October 4: The embattled Tasmanian minority Liberal government has survived its latest existential crisis after former Attorney-General Elise Archer revealed she would quit parliament.
Ms Archer’s late morning announcement came after Premier Jeremy Rockliff gave her until Monday to either pledge to support his government in votes of confidence of supply or quit.
He said if she did not, he would call an early election.
In a statement, Ms Archer said he had reached the decision to resign “with an extremely heavy heart” adding that she regarded Mr Rockliff’s ultimatum as one of several threats.
She said she could not bring herself to support the government if she remained.
“I have decided to provide my resignation to Her Excellency today,” she said.
“Given the events of recent days, it is clear the Premier is not willing to work constructively with me in Parliament.
“He is big on tough talk in the media but has not contacted me personally for my support. “This is entirely consistent with his leadership style and has also contributed to the loss of other members.”
”This is the right decision for me personally, knowing the types of threats and tactics adopted by this government recently, are likely to continue.
“If they ceased or I felt less pressured to decide today, the outcome may have been different.”
Ms Archer was the Liberal’s top vote-winner in Clark at the 2021 state election and leaves politics after a 13-year career which included a stint as the state’s first female Speaker of the House of Assembly..
A recount will now be held in the seat of Clark.
It is expected to take up to three weeks before the new member is sworn in but Liberal councillor Simon Behrakis is Ms Archer’s most likely successor.
Mr Rockliff demanded Ms Archer’s resignation from the portfolios of Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs and Minister for Arts on Friday after her private WhatsApp messages to staff were leaked to the media.
One message included what appeared to be an exasperated reference to victim-survivors of child sexual abuse, something Mr Rockliff said was unacceptable in the context of the recent Commission of Inquiry.
Her portfolios were distributed in a reshuffle and the new cabinet members were sworn in by Governor Barbara Baker on Tuesday.
Ms Archer said he had not been given the opportunity to see or challenge the claims made against her and said she believed Mr Rockliff’s office was behind the leaks.
“Last week, the Premier had still not afforded me any due process, which was palpably unfair, and had not provided any factual particulars of the disputed claims against me,” she said.
“Although denied by the Premier, I strongly believe his office was responsible, through third parties, for leaking extracts of private texts without the full context or the entire conversation to and from staff at the time, the identity of whom I know - to force my resignation.
“I still question the motive and the timing given my loyalty to the Premier and the government. Even if not personally responsible, he is implicit and responsible for his office.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Rockliff said without Ms Archer’s guarantee, Parliament would not return as scheduled on October 17.
“The only way Parliament resumes is if Ms Archer resigns as she initially committed, or she provides a written guarantee of confidence and supply,” he said.
“We will not be returning to Parliament unless either of these two actions occurs.”
Shortly afterwards, Mr Rockliff departed for a family commitment in Queensland. He returns on Thursday.
Labor leader Rebecca White released a letter pledging to give the government a pair to maintain the balance of votes in the House of Assembly until a recount can be held.
“I wish to express, in the strongest terms, the view of the Opposition that Parliament should sit as scheduled,” she wrote.
“There is too much important work to be done for the resignation of Ms Archer to cause any interruption.
“As such I wish to provide you an assurance we will provide a pair to offset the absence of a Liberal Member for Clark.”
Ms Archer’s statement in full:
I would again like to thank my constituents in the electorate of Clark who I have represented as their local Member since 2010, and Tasmanians more broadly, particularly during my service as Tasmania’s first female Speaker, Attorney-General and as a Minister of the Crown.
To say that I have loved all these roles would be an understatement. I entered the Parliament to serve others in whatever capacity I was asked to perform.
I have taken the last few days to seriously think about what is best for me and for Tasmanians. It has been an agonising decision made more difficult by the Premier’s rather aggressive (and erroneous) threat yesterday followed by an even more threatening letter today that the Parliament would not be returning unless I resign or provide a written guarantee of confidence and supply. While making this ultimatum, I was still a member of Parliament, and so this was blatantly incorrect. He cannot decide to just not hold Parliament when it is scheduled to return by a motion of the House, nor do I have an obligation to the Liberal Party in these circumstances – my obligation as a member of Parliament is to the people of Tasmania.
This is more evidence, now made public by the Premier, of how I have been treated as a member of Cabinet and this government.
Firstly, I always intended to make my decision about whether to resign from Parliament as quickly as possible in the interests of Tasmanians but intense media interest and now this threatening behaviour from the Premier, and is office over a longer period, have unduly pressured my decision. I think the Premier’s behaviour speaks for itself, but I am left wondering how these double standards can exist.
Last week, the Premier had still not afforded me any due process, which was palpably unfair, and had not provided any factual particulars of the disputed claims against me. Although denied by the Premier, I strongly believe his office was responsible, through third parties, for leaking extracts of private texts without the full context or the entire conversation to and from staff at the time, the identity of whom I know – to force my resignation. I still question the motive and the timing given my loyalty to the Premier and the government. Even if not personally responsible, he is implicit and responsible for his office.
Given the events of recent days, it is clear the Premier is not willing to work constructively with me in Parliament. He is big on tough talk in the media but has not contacted me personally for my support. This is entirely consistent with his leadership style and has also contributed to the loss of other members. I would not be setting the right example to others if I was not assertive in the role of First Law Officer. It’s essential. Unfortunately, a female being assertive is seen as too direct or even aggressive.
Despite the Labor Opposition also talking tough on an early election, I am staggered they too have not contacted me, causing me to question their willingness, authenticity, or preparedness to govern.
Talking to me through letters or the media is no way to establish a working relationship.
On the Liberal Party, I had been a loyal member for almost 20 years, and my husband even longer as a former State President with a Federal Distinguished Service Award. To resign from the Party last week was not done lightly but we could not remain part of an organisation which, in more recent years, has not only blatantly failed to support me – particularly on difficult policy matters such as electoral reform – it has attacked me personally. I do not subscribe to their view that the Liberal Party got me elected; it is more a case that I got elected despite the Liberal Party; fundraising and personally paying entirely for my own campaigns.
If I stayed as an independent Member for Clark, I could not support this Premier or provide confidence in him or his government. This would immediately force an election, or he would be requested to test the numbers on the floor of the House – whichever the Governor was to decide – not the Premier.
I have decided to provide my resignation to Her Excellency today. This is done with an extremely heavy heart particularly given the outpouring of support I have received, encouraging me to stay on – so to those who have personally contacted me, I am deeply humbled by your support, and I wish to thank you sincerely. However, this is the right decision for me personally, knowing the types of threats and tactics adopted by this government recently, are likely to continue. If they ceased or I felt less pressured to decide today, the outcome may have been different.
I am so disappointed in the Party and in this Premier – who ironically always had my full support in government – and who has overseen the demise of a good government that was making real changes in law reform. I wish my successor Guy Barnett the best implementing my significant law reform agenda but note he is to shortly appear before the Privileges and Conduct Committee and could be short-lived in that role.
I now hope others in the Parliament will act, noting this government remains in minority and an early election seems inevitable.
Although I understand the intense media interest, as I have now announced my intention to resign from public life, I will not be making any further public statements or granting any interviews. I ask that my privacy now be respected.
EARLIER: Premier Jeremy Rockliff has given former Attorney-General Elise Archer until Monday to say whether she is quitting parliament or backing his government.
Mr Rockliff says otherwise he will call an election.
“This morning I wrote to Elise Archer and respectfully requested that she advise Tasmanians of her decision as to whether she will remain in Parliament or not by 9am on Monday, 9 October,” he said.
“I have been clear: if Ms Archer cannot provide the Government a guarantee of supply and confidence she should stand down from Parliament to make way for a Liberal.
“I have advised Ms Archer that if I do not receive a decision by 9.00am AEDT, Monday October 9, 2023, I will have no option other than to request the Governor dissolve the Parliament and issue writs for a General Election.”
In a post on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, Mr Rockliff said he was about to depart for Queensland.
“Quick one from me- I’ll be doing a quick round trip to QLD to get my daughters settled. While dad-duties call, I’ll still be keeping up with all of my work responsibilities.”
Mr Rockliff is expected back on Thursday.
The next election was not expected until 2025.
Comment was sought from Ms Archer.
Mr Rockliff’s letter in full:
Dear Ms Archer
I write regarding your future in the Tasmanian Parliament.
As I discussed with you on Friday, your remarks about victim survivors were unacceptable by any standard, and unequivocally fell short of the standards I expect of my Ministers. If culture is to change in this state, it requires leadership and accountability – starting at the top, and I intend to lead by example in doing exactly that.
Subsequently, on Friday, you publicly advised you would be resigning from Cabinet, the Parliament and the Party. I note that you have since stated that you are reconsidering your decision to resign from Parliament and will not provide the Government with supply and confidence.
I would like to remind you of the circumstances under which you were elected to Parliament – as part of the Liberal team’s platform of stable majority Government.
Should you choose to remain in Parliament, you have an obligation to provide my Government with a guarantee of supply and confidence. If you cannot provide this guarantee, then the right course is for you to do as you first said, and stand down from Parliament to make way for a Liberal.
I want to be clear, I will not be returning to Parliament unless either of these two actions occurs.
As such, I respectfully request that you advise Tasmanians of your decision by 9.00am AEDT
Monday October 9, 2023.
All Tasmanians deserve certainty about the future of their State as soon as possible.
If I do not hear from you prior to 9.00am AEDT, Monday October 9, 2023, I will have no option other than to request the Governor dissolve the Parliament and issue writs for a General Election.
All Tasmanians look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Jeremy Rockliff MP
Premier
October 4: An early election will be called unless former Attorney-General Elise Archer quits parliament or agrees to back the minority Liberal government in no-confidence votes, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says.
Speaking after the swearing-in of his new ministerial team at Government House on Tuesday morning, Mr Rockliff said an election was a certainty if Ms Archer did not either resign from parliament or give the government a written pledge of her support.
“There will not be an election if Ms Archer remains in the parliament and provides confidence and supply,” he said.
“There will not be an election if Ms Archer resigns from Parliament, as she stated she would do.
“We will govern and we are committed to walk into the parliament and govern in the best interest of Tasmanians.
“It’s unlike our political opponents, namely the Labor Party, that seem to not care about business confidence, not care about the economy.
“What they care about is disruption and trying to get power for themselves. That is not in the best interests of Tasmanians.”
Ms Archer quit on Friday after WhatsApp messages were leaked in which she expressed apparent exasperation with the victim survivors of child sexual assault.
Although she has resigned from cabinet and the Liberal Party, she had not resigned from the parliament and could sit as an independent. She says she is considering her position.
In a statement issued mid-morning, Mr Rockliff said without Ms Archer’s guarantee, Parliament would not return.
“The only way Parliament resumes is if Ms Archer resigns as she initially committed, or she provides a written guarantee of confidence and supply,” he said.
“We will not be returning to Parliament unless either of these two actions occurs.”
New Attorney-General Guy Barnett said Ms Archer should follow through on her plan to resign.
“Tasmanians I don’t think are looking for an election,” he said.
‘They want to ask to focus on things that matter. That’s what we are doing and we want to get on with the job.
“So it’s really a matter for Ms Archer as to whether she’d like to progress and cause an election or simply resign as she said she would.’
Labor’s Dean Winter said an early election was looking increasingly likely.
“You can’t tell me that it’s at all likely that Nick Duigan is going to walk into parliament and answer questions as Minister for Energy in a couple of weeks’ time,” he said.
“It seems incredibly unlikely that we are going to get back to Parliament on the 17th and if we do that, we’re going to have a government that looks anything like what Jeremy Rockliff is just sworn in.
“Jeremy Rockliff’s government is weak, it’s divided, it’s a war with itself, and that’s a big problem for Tasmania.”
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the Greens were ready for an early election but would prefer to return to parliament to continue work on behalf of the Tasmanian people.
“It’s hard not to see an early election on the horizon. How near that horizon is, I don’t know,” Dr Woodruff said. “That’s really up to the Elise Archer and Jeremy Rockliff.
“Both of those people will make decisions and how they decide will determine when we return to Parliament and at that point, it’s anybody’s guess when an election might be.”
EARLIER: Premier Jeremy Rockliff has delivered an ultimatum to his former Attorney-General Elise Archer after a rollercoaster four days in politics, saying parliament won’t resume until he gets answers on her future.
On Tuesday morning, Mr Rockliff issued a statement demanding Ms Archer make her intentions clear after her resignation on Friday was followed on Sunday by a twist that she may decide to stay in parliament, but as an independent.
Mr Rockliff said parliament would not resume unless the necessary clarity from Ms Archer was provided.
“In terms of what I will do, I want to be clear: The only way Parliament resumes is if Ms Archer resigns as she initially committed, or she provides a written guarantee of confidence and supply,” the Premier said.
“We will not be returning to Parliament unless either of these two actions occurs.
“All Tasmanians deserve certainty about the future of their Government as soon as possible.”
On Monday, senior minister Guy Barnett added the Attorney-General role portfolio to his list of cabinet portfolios.
Rocky’s reshuffle: Barnett named as new Attorney-General
October 2: Guy Barnett will become Tasmania’s new Attorney-General, adding the role of the state’s chief law officer to his existing job as Health Minister.
Mr Barnett will also serve as Justice Minister.
Cabinet newcomer Nick Duigan will take over Energy and Renewables from Mr Barnett in a reshuffle announced by Premier Jeremy Rockliff in Launceston on Monday.
The Legislative Councillor will also take over Parks from Roger Jaensch and Heritage and Small Business from Madeleine Ogilvie.
The reshuffle was brought on by the departure of Attorney-General Elise Archer on Friday.
Ms Archer also held the portfolios of Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs and Arts.
Ms Ogilvie will add Corrections and Rehabilitation and Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs and Arts to her existing responsibilities.
And Jo Palmer will become the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, in the fifth change in that role in two and a half years.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Felix Ellis will become the Leader of the House.
It is the fifth reshuffle due to the departure of a minister in the last 30 months.
Including interim ministers, it is the 11th ministerial line-up since the last election in 2021.
Libs’ fate in Archer’s hands as Rockliff demands support
The fate of the Tasmanian Liberal government rests in the hands of former Attorney-General Elise Archer, with the Premier saying she must guarantee her support or leave parliament.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff will announce his new cabinet later in the morning after the sudden departure of one of his most senior ministers.
After her forced resignation from cabinet over leaked WhatsApp messages, Ms Archer has indicated that rather than leaving parliament, she may stay on as an independent.
Mr Rockliff has failed to rule out an early election unless she backs the government in key votes.
In an interview on ABC radio on Monday morning, Mr Rockliff said Ms Archer should exit the House of Assembly if she wasn’t willing to guarantee she would back the government on matters of no-confidence and vote in favour of budget bills.
“It’s up to Elise really … should she make the decision not to resign from parliament then I would expect confidence and supply,” he said.
“Elise Archer was elected as a Liberal under our team and the policies that we moved forward.
“I would expect that she gives confidence and supply – just like [former Liberals] John Tucker and Lara Alexander have done and we’ve worked well together over the course of the last few months.
Mr Rockliff said he was considering his options — but did not reveal whether he would prorogue parliament and did not rule out an early election.
“It’s not my intention to go to an early election. There’s too much to do,” he said.
“I’ll consider my options in the best interests of getting things done, but I am particularly focused on implementing every single one of those recommendations of the commission of inquiry. That is my focus.
“That’s the commitment that I gave all victims and survivors and their families and loved ones in the parliament last week, and I’m committed to exactly that and seeing that through.”
And he defended his decision to remove Ms Archer from the cabinet after her WhatsApp messages were leaked in which she expressed frustration with victim-survivors of child sexual abuse.
“I know the decision that I made on Friday regarding Mr. Archer was a very difficult decision for me to make,” Mr Rockliff said.
“I’ve been a colleague of Elise’s for 13 years but it was the right decision and the right call.
“I’m not sure what context that comment would ever be right.
“So whatever context, it’s not the right call, and I call it out. And I’ve made the right decision.”
Mr Rockliff said he was confident he had the support of his remaining colleagues.
“I believe I’m the best person to lead the party,” he said.
Comment was sought from Ms Archer.
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