Tasmania’s Attorney-General Elise Archer has resigned after an investigation into allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour was launched.
Premier Rockliff said he requested Ms Archer’s resignation after he was made aware of remarks that were “unacceptable by any standard, and unequivocally fall short of the standards I expect of my Ministers”.
“As I said this week, 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,” Premier Rockliff said.
Until a replacement is announced, Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson will become the Acting Attorney General, with Ms Archer’s other cabinet responsibilities to be handed to Premier Rockliff.
“Ms Archer was a longstanding member of our team. I thank her for her service.”
In a post on Facebook, Ms Archer said it has been her “deep honour and privilege” to serve her constituents in Clark and the people of Tasmania.
“Today, I have resigned as a Minister of the Crown and from the Liberal Party,” Ms Archer wrote.
“It is also my intention to notify Her Excellency of my resignation from the Parliament of Tasmania as a Member for Clark.”
“It is clear to me that the leadership of the Liberal Party continues to fail to support ambitious women.”
“It takes incredible strength and resilience to be a woman in a senior government role and to strive to be treated the same as male colleagues, despite many years of dedicated, hardworking service.”
“I am particularly proud of my achievements as the first female Speaker in the House of Assembly, and significantly in law reform over the last five years.”
“It has taken a personal toll at times, however, I depart knowing that despite the events of recent days, this law reform will hopefully endure as my legacy for the people of Tasmania and my community, who I have loved serving over the last 13 years.”
More to come…
Independent probe launched into bullying claims against Tasmanian Attorney-General
An independent investigation has been launched into allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour against Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer.
At least two current or former staff members of Ms Archer have raised the claims with Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sarah Bolt, according to the ABC.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the investigation after a matter was raised with him ‘through a third party’.
Ms Archer said she took the allegations “extremely seriously” and welcomes the independent investigation.
“I always strive to provide my team with a happy and healthy workplace,” she said.
“I deeply value the exceptional work of my team, many of whom come to me for short periods of time from departments and who have diligently performed the challenging work required of ministerial staff.”
Turnover in Ms Archer’s office has been a subject of concern in recent years, with a document released under right to information laws revealing that multiple staff members have left since 2019.
Ms Archer has been attorney-general since 2018 and also holds ministerial responsibility for workplace safety.
Labor’s Dean Winter and Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly has called on the Premier to “stand Attorney-General Elise Archer down while an investigation into serious allegations of workplace bullying takes place”.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations, Jeremy Rockliff can’t guarantee the safety of staff in the Attorney’s office while Archer is still there,” Winter said.
