Elise Archer says she will quit state parliament, withdrawing her threat to topple the Tasmanian Government.
The announcement came an hour after Premier Jeremy Rockliff sent a letter to Archer asking for her to make a decision or force the state into an early election.
In a Statement on Wednesday morning, Archer said her relationship with her former party had ‘completely broken down’ and despite an outpouring of public support, she would depart.
“I have taken the last few days to seriously think about what is best for me and for Tasmanians,” Archer said.
“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.”
“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.”
She said she would inform the Governor Barbara Baker of her decision 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.”
Archer says she leaves the party and the Premier, who “ironically always had my full support in government”, “so disappointed”.
She wished her successor Guy Barnett the best in ‘implementing her significant law reform agenda’, but believed his time in the role may be “short-lived” due to an upcoming appearance before the Privileges and Conduct Committee.
“I now hope others in the Parliament will act, noting this government remains in minority and an early election seems inevitable.”
More to come…
