Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says taxpayer-funded legal assistance for MPs is governed by a longstanding policy, after questions in parliament about more than $400,000 in legal fees paid on behalf of three Liberal members.
The Greens last week confirmed backbencher Mark Shelton had $15,000 of his legal costs covered between January 1, 2023 and April 7, 2025.
Minister Jane Howlett’s legal costs total $300,000 and Madeleine Ogilvie’s $120,000.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff raised the Shelton payment in parliament on May 7.
Rockliff took the question on notice and referred to the indemnity policy, first issued in 2008, which covers a range of proceedings including civil and criminal matters and matters before integrity bodies.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Rockliff said he could not add further detail.
“Every member of parliament is entitled to legal assistance as part of their job,” he said.
“I’m not able to make any further comment.”
On Tuesday, government minister Jo Palmer was asked whether the three MPs were the subject of an Integrity Commission process.
“It’s really difficult when we get asked questions like this because obviously there is a process in place, and it’s a legal process,” Palmer said.
“So I can’t legally make a comment on this matter.”
“But what I can tell you is that when it is no longer a legal matter, that that information will be forthcoming.”
Labor MP and shadow integrity minister Ella Haddad said the government should provide more information.
“If there is nothing to hide, they should come clean,” Haddad said.
Under current arrangements, Cabinet decides whether to fund legal costs for individual MPs.
The Greens have suggested that process should be reviewed.
