Appalling lack of transparency sets new Liberal low-water mark

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his Cabinet set a new low-water mark with the appalling lack of transparency they displayed over the week of Budget Estimates.

The Liberals stonewalled more than 130 questions across the week regarding what they knew and when about Madeleine Ogilive’s legal fees and subsequent misleading of Parliament, despite there being zero legal basis to do so.

Ministers have a responsibility to be accountable to Tasmanians.

In the Premier’s own foreword to the Ministerial Code of Conduct, he writes: “The Code reflects the expectation that Ministers, while in the service of the people of Tasmania, must uphold the highest standards of integrity and be honest, professional, and accountable in the performance of all their duties.”

What we saw from all Liberal Ministers last week was anything but that.

One fact that was established this week was that Cabinet signed off on Madeleine Ogilvie’s legal fees for the Supreme Court matter she denied was taking place.

It is therefore inconceivable that her Cabinet colleagues didn’t know that the disgraced former Minister had mislead Parliament six months ago, and they have all closed ranks to cover it up.

Until Tasmanians have answers, these questions won’t go away.