Tasmanian premier apologises for handling of Ogilvie matter, questions remain over his knowledge
Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his ministers previously refused to provide details around their knowledge of Ms Ogilvie's legal proceedings. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
In short:
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has apologised for his government's handling of allegations that ex-minister Madeleine Ogilvie misled parliament when asked if she was involved in a Supreme Court proceeding.
In response, Mr Rockliff also announced transparency reforms to strengthen confidence in decisions to use public funds for politicians' legal matters.
What's next?
Independent, Labor and Greens MPs say their options are to censure the premier, send the issue to a committee, or order the premier to produce documents in parliament.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has apologised for how he handled the Madeleine Ogilvie legal saga, but has not shed more light on key questions, including whether he knew she had potentially misled parliament.
Ms Ogilvie, a former minister, resigned from cabinet just over week ago, amid allegations she misled parliament about whether she was a party to any Supreme Court action.
The former Labor MP, turned independent, turned Liberal, had answered "no" at an estimates hearing in November 2025 when asked about the matter.
Days later, she clarified that she was not subject to legal proceedings initiated by another party, but she reserved her right to take any action she deemed necessary.
On May 28, when asked by the Greens in parliament, she finally revealed she had initiated court action.
Madeleine Ogilvie's portfolios have been redistributed to other ministers following her resignation. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
After refusing to answer questions about what he knew and when during estimates hearings last week, on the basis of "legal confidentiality", the premier has now acknowledged the clarification Ms Ogilvie gave should have been "broader".
"I accept that I should have interrogated the issue further and ensured a more appropriate response was provided," he said.
"I regret I didn't. I should have.
"And for that I apologise."
He also addressed the "significant commentary" about his "inability to provide details regarding what [he] knew at the time".
"As I have consistently stated, this is a complex matter involving legal sensitivities and confidentiality requirements," Mr Rockliff said.
"However, I have sought further advice on what information can appropriately be publicly disclosed."
Mr Rockliff's apology follows a letter from the Greens and independents Helen Burnet, Peter George and Kristie Johnston who called on him to answer a series of questions relating to Ms Ogilvie's resignation.
Loading...Labor also demanded that the premier provide basic information about what he knew and when.
Premier Rockliff's statement does not address those questions.
Labor Leader Josh Willie said the statement is an admission that Mr Rockliff knew Ms Ogilvie "lied to parliament".
"The premier has made a conditional apology and announced a review with no timeline," Mr Willie said.
"That's not enough to make this matter go away."
In a statement, the Greens said while they "welcome the government's statement of commitment" to improving transparency and accountability around the use of public money for legal fees, Mr Rockliff's apology "doesn't address" their concerns about his "knowledge of, and involvement in, Madeleine Ogilvie's misleading of parliament".
"As we stated to the premier in our letter, if we don't get a suitable response, we reserve the right to use parliamentary mechanisms to achieve the transparency and accountability Tasmanians deserve," they said on Tuesday evening.
Crossbench, opposition won't go 'nuclear'
While Labor and the crossbench have threatened to use parliament to hold Mr Rockliff to account if he does not satisfy their concerns, it appears the "nuclear option" of a no-confidence motion is off the table.
Speaking to 936 ABC Hobart earlier in the day, independent Peter George said no one wants to create instability in parliament and bring the government down.
"No one here is suggesting the nuclear option," Mr George said.
"We're not going to bring the government down.
"The nuclear option would obviously be a vote of no confidence in the government. That's not going to happen."
The independents, Labor and the Greens say the options before them are to censure the premier, send the issue to a committee, or order the premier in parliament to produce documents.
Law changes for legal indemnity
Ms Ogilvie is not the only government MP to rack up taxpayer-funded legal fees in recent times.
Alongside her $120,000 bill is Liberal backbencher Mark Shelton's $15,000 and Minister Jane Howlett's $303,000.
The recent scrutiny has prompted the government to strengthen "transparency and accountability" around the use of public funds for legal indemnity, as part of a broader review.
Mr Rockliff said it's about ensuring Tasmanians have greater visibility over how public money is spent.
"The public should have confidence in how these decisions are made and how public funds are being spent,"Mr Rockliff said.
"I have instructed my department to develop new provisions that will improve transparency and public access to information, while ensuring that legal proceedings are not compromised."
The proposed measures include enhancing public reporting and potentially introducing cross-party visibility in decisions relating to the granting of taxpayer money for legal fees.