The attorney general of Tasmania has been fired due to claims of intimidation and denigration.
According to The Australian, at least two employees accused Elise Archer of intimidating them and acting inappropriately, which prompted an independent investigation.
Archer also referred to Premier Jeremy Rockliff as “gutless” in leaked text texts.
Following the revelation of the leaked text messages and the bullying claims, Rockliff declared today that he had requested Archer step down from the cabinet.
He stated that from what he knows, Archer intends to step down as Clark’s representative in parliament.
He said, “Yesterday I was informed of comments Ms. Archer had made outside of what had been reported.”
“By any measure, those comments were unacceptable and categorically fall short of what is expected of a minister of the Crown.”
According to Rockliff, Tasmania needs to transform its culture, beginning with better leadership and accountability.
“I cannot accept a culture of belittling or a culture where people are not valued or respected for the work they do,” he declared.
Archer’s remaining portfolio duties will be taken over by Rockliff, while deputy premier Michael Ferguson will temporarily assume the position of attorney general.
2010 saw the election of Archer as Clark’s representative. She was the first woman to preside over the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
