Tasmania’s minority Liberal government, the last of its colour in Australia, is under mounting pressure as the state’s former attorney-general mulls her political future.
Elise Archer is reconsidering her decision to resign from parliament after being sacked from cabinet amid allegations of workplace bullying and for sending “inappropriate” messages.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff delivered an ultimatum to Ms. Archer on Tuesday, saying he would call an early election unless Ms. Archer resigns or pledges to provide votes of supply and confidence.
Without Ms. Archer, the government has just 10 of 25 seats in the lower house.
Ms. Archer has indicated she could return to parliament as an independent and may support a no-confidence vote in the government.
Mr Rockliff has copped further heat, with one of two Liberal defectors urging Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson to have a tilt at the leadership.
Lara Alexander and John Tucker plunged the Liberals into a minority in May when they quit the party to sit as independents over concerns about Tasmania’s deal for an AFL stadium and team.
“We need some strong leadership. I think (Mr. Ferguson) is the only one at the present moment that could step up and take on that role,” Mr. Tucker told the ABC.
Ms. Alexander and Mr. Tucker have both said they will continue to provide votes of supply and confidence.
Mr. Rockliff said Mr Archer must tell Tasmania what she plans to do.
“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.”
If Ms. Archer leaves parliament, which is scheduled to next sit on Oct. 17, it will prompt a recount in her seat of Clark, which is likely to be won by a Liberal.
In leaked messages, Ms. Archer described Mr. Rockliff as too gutless to be a leader.
In another message, she said she was sick of victim-survivors, something she claims has been taken out of context.
Mr. Rockliff, who was elected to parliament in 2002, has served as premier since April last year following Peter Gutwein’s resignation.
Labor opposition MP Dean Winter described Mr. Rockliff’s leadership as “terminal”, saying there was no viable route for him to continue as premier.
