Tasmanian taxpayers have spent more than $1 million funding both sides of a legal dispute between former ministers and the Integrity Commission, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed this morning.
The revelation came during question time in state parliament on Wednesday.
Labor’s integrity spokeswoman Ella Haddad pressed the premier on the growing legal fees scandal.
“During budget estimates, the Integrity Commission confirmed that someone initiating court action in the Supreme Court can prevent Integrity Commission reports from being released,” she said.
Haddad said a question taken on notice during estimates revealed the Integrity Commission had spent $317,545 on its own legal costs for investigations since the 2022-23 financial year.
“Former Minister Howlett has now racked up $405,000 in secret taxpayer funded legal fees, and former Minister Ogilvie has spent over $120,000 that we know of,” she said.
“Premier, are Tasmanians paying almost a million dollars to cover both sides of secret legal disputes between your former ministers and the Integrity Commission?”
Rockliff’s answer was brief.
“There is a process underway, and at face value, yes, the answer to your question is yes,” he said.
Liberal MPs Jane Howlett and Madeleine Ogilvie have both resigned from cabinet amid claims they are fighting Supreme Court action over Integrity Commission investigations.
Rockliff condemned what he described as personal attacks on MPs.
“Those within the parliament will play political games, and by any measure the opposition and the Greens have been relentless in their personal attacks on individuals,” he said.
“For heaven’s sake, enough is enough.”
Independent member for Clark Kristie Johnston rejected that characterisation.
“Fighting for government integrity is not a political game or about personal attacks,” she said.
“It matters, because integrity standards create better outcomes for everyday Tasmanians, and that’s what a functioning parliament should be doing.”
