Premier's legal-saga reply paints a 'far worse picture'

Ms Ogilvie in November told a parliamentary committee she was not involved in any court proceedings, but on May 28 revealed she was the plaintiff in a matter.

The government has not given any details about the case, prompting accusations of a cover-up, but has disclosed Ms Ogilvie spent $120,000 of taxpayer money on legal funds over years.

Mr Rockliff, who governs in minority, provided answers to 20 questions in response to a letter from the Greens and three independents.

The answers revealed Mr Rockliff was aware Ms Ogilvie was involved in a Supreme Court proceeding prior to her telling parliament she was not.

It was revealed his office had discussions with Ms Ogilvie or her office about her move to make a clarifying statement in November, although Mr Rockliff said he wasn't aware.

Mr Rockliff also said he did not seek formal legal advice before fronting a parliamentary committee in May in which he said he could not comment on Ms Ogilvie's matter due to its complexities.

"Those answers paint a far worse picture of this shameful saga and his role in it," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said.

"At a minimum his office played a central role in covering up that Madeleine Ogilvie had misled parliament and her secret court case itself."

The government has also faced questions about $300,000 in public funds provided to Minister Jane Howlett for court matters, of which details haven't been provided.

Mr Rockliff apologised on Tuesday and Wednesday over his handling of Ms Ogilvie's matter, pledging reforms to improve transparency.

He has said he will provide details when legally able, but hasn't provided a time frame.

The Greens, Labor and independents are considering their options when parliament resumes on Tuesday, including potentially moving a motion to censure the premier.

It would make him the first Tasmanian premier to cop a censure, a scolding from parliament that carries no penalty.

They have ruled out a no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff - he lost a no-confidence motion in mid-2025, sparking a snap state election.

Mr Rockliff had deceived Tasmanians by making it sound like he had legal advice preventing him from answering questions, Labor MP Ella Haddad said.

"The premier's actions are a slap in the face to the Tasmanian public who rightly expect transparency and honesty," she said.