The Tasmanian premier has sacked the state’s attorney-general over allegations of bullying and belittling.
At least two staff members raised allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour by Elise Archer, sparking an independent inquiry, The Australian reported.
Leaked text messages also showed Archer call Premier Jeremy Rockliff as “gutless”.
Rockliff today announced he had asked Archer to resign from cabinet after the leaked text messages and allegations of bullying emerged.
He said he understands Archer plans to resign from parliament and as the Member for Clark.
“Yesterday I was made aware of remarks Ms Archer had made outside of what had already been reported,” he said.
“Those remarks were unacceptable by any standard and unequivocally fall short of expectations for a minister of the Crown.”
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Rockliff said culture needs to change in Tasmania, starting with leadership and accountability improvements.
”I cannot accept a culture of belittling or a culture where people are not valued or respected for the work they do,” he said.
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson will take on the role of attorney-general temporarily while Rockliff will take over Archer’s remaining portfolio responsibilities.
Archer was elected as the Member for Clark in 2010.
She was the first female speaker in the House of Assembly in Tasmania.
