Elise Archer, now an energetic Tasmanian minister. In the past week, she has stepped down from both parliament and the Liberal party after being accused of bullying by former staffers. Archer’s resignation was a remarkable moment in an otherwise dreary political landscape. She thus became the highest-ranking female Liberal office-holder in the country and was the most senior woman in the Tasmanian cabinet before her resignation. An independent investigation was launched following these allegations, but Archer maintains her innocence, stating she “never received a final result in relation to” the accusations.
Archer’s resignation is more than an inside base ball issue, it reflects deeper currents and growing tensions within the state’s executive branch. Her frustration with the current state of affairs led her to stand for election again, expressing concern that “the government’s stopped listening to Tasmanians.” Archer has reversed her opposition to the proposed $750 million AFL stadium at Macquarie Point. She’s opposed to it openly now, contending that these big developments distract from more imperative matters that the state should be addressing.
The political tides are turning, and Jack Davenport is seizing the moment. Running as an independent this time, for the seat of Bass, he’s a much bigger deal. His reform campaign is the child protection issue and a general call for urgent action on many matters affecting Tasmania.
Elise Archer’s Controversial Resignation
Elsie Archer’s resignation follows shocking allegations of misconduct during her tenure in office. Her former staffers soon came forward with allegations of her bullying and abusive behavior, leading to an independent investigation. Archer has strongly disputed these claims, calling them baseless and misleading.
“Borrowings is a red cent more. I don’t accept that argument,” – Elise Archer
A similar long-term commitment to major projects has shaped Archer’s tenure, with big plans—including the long-proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point. She hasn’t exactly embraced this initiative. Yet she feels it overshadows far more pernicious injustices deserving urgent action today. She further communicated that these progressions should not be made at the cost of critical public services.
“There’s so many things that are going on in this state that we should be talking about, that we should be spending money on, and the stadium just keeps getting in the way,” – Elise Archer
Her resignation represents both a victory and defeat, and a hopeful turning point for the state. At one point, she was considered a potential leader of the Liberal party. Archer’s departure deepens uncertainty over whether the party has any intention of changing course and winning back the public’s trust.
Jack Davenport’s Independent Campaign
Independent candidate Jack Davenport has made child protection reform the centerpiece of his campaign. His campaign that lost badly in the recent state election. He barely managed to do better in the first round and only achieved 0.4 percent of the first preference votes. No doubt about it, though — Davenport is sticking to his guns on what he believes to be urgent needs for Tasmanians.
He writes that the present administration has proven itself incapable of addressing big challenges and opportunities. Davenport claims that there’s a lot of urgency for action and that the voters should be better represented.
“There’s so many things that are going on in this state that we should be talking about, that we should be spending money on, and the stadium just keeps getting in the way,” – Jack Davenport
Davenport’s Warren strongly opposes the proposed AFL stadium. He thinks it takes away from much bigger fish to fry and bogs down valuable resources from doing so. He’s making child protection reform a top priority. This focus on civil rights makes him a more appealing candidate for those who prioritize social movements over infrastructure boondoggles.
The Broader Political Context
Arcane though it may be, the political landscape in Tasmania is changing rapidly as candidates such as Archer and Davenport face their daunting challenges. There are increasing calls from the Liberal party rank and file unhappy with where their new government is heading. Luke Martin articulates this sentiment succinctly, stating, “I think this is a government that has lost its way and everywhere I look the budget is a train-smash.”
Jessica Munday, a Youth/ Young Labor candidate, is big on her party’s unity, but says the ALP must change its culture. Her genuine commitment to working collaboratively is a true testament to her determination to improve Labor’s standing going into crucial elections this fall.
“If Labor are to win, we need to pick up seats,” – Jessica Munday
As Tasmania moves closer to the next election cycle, candidates from all parties must confront both internal and external challenges. These allegations against Archer and new proponents such as Davenport may begin to change voter perceptions and influence the political landscape within these parties.
