Tasmanian Premier's answers on legal fees 'paint a far worse picture,' Greens say

Tasmanian Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff stated that Premier Jeremy Rockliff's responses regarding former minister Madeleine Ogilvie's legal fees "paint a far worse picture of this shameful saga and his role in it." Rockliff provided answers to the Greens and three independents who had threatened to escalate the matter in parliament if he failed to address their questions.

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paint a far worse picture of this shameful saga and his role in it

Ogilvie, who used $120,000 of public funds for legal fees related to an undisclosed matter tied to her ministerial duties, resigned from cabinet last month. She had previously told a budget estimates committee she was not involved in any Supreme Court matters, later clarifying she was not the subject of legal proceedings initiated by another party. However, she eventually confirmed she was a party to a Supreme Court matter she had initiated.

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discussions

In his response to the crossbenchers, Rockliff confirmed he had not sought or received formal legal advice before his appearance at budget estimates. He also revealed he was aware of Ogilvie's Supreme Court involvement before she informed parliament she was not. His office had "discussions" with Ogilvie or her office regarding a clarification statement she made on November 20.

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did not recall any discussion

Rockliff further stated that while his office had input into a written statement Ogilvie read in parliament on May 28 confirming her Supreme Court action, he did not have input into the statement itself. He also did not recall any discussion about the possibility of Ogilvie misleading parliament before May 21. Earlier this week, Rockliff apologized for his handling of the issue, admitting he should have questioned Ogilvie's November clarification statement more thoroughly.

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should have done more to interrogate Ms Ogilvie's clarification statement last November