This is a Minister who misled the Parliament, failed to provide truthful and transparent answers, and has now admitted she “answered the original question poorly”.

Tasmanians expect Ministers to uphold the highest standards of honesty and accountability. Madeleine Ogilvie failed that test and was no longer fit to serve as a Minister of the Crown.

Premier Rockliff now faces serious questions about his own judgement. When did Premier Rockliff become aware of the circumstances surrounding this matter? Why did he continue to back Madeleine Ogilvie until the pressure became untenable? And how much did Cabinet know?

Cabinet is responsible for approving taxpayer-funded legal assistance for Ministers and MPs. That means Premier Rockliff and the entire Cabinet have serious questions to answer about what they knew, when they knew it, and why Tasmanians were kept in the dark.

Tasmanians also deserve answers about the taxpayer-funded legal fees spent on Jane Howlett MP and Mark Shelton MP, while the Government refuses to explain what those costs relate to.

If the expenditure is legitimate, why is the Government refusing to be transparent with taxpayers?