There are some extremely serious questions hanging over the Minister Jane Howlett and by extension the Premier.
Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed both Minister Howlett and former Minister Ogilvie are subject to allegations of wrongdoing that are under active consideration.
In defending herself against this allegation, Minister Howlett has so far spent $300,000 of taxpayer money on legal fees. This level of expenditure would not occur unless this was a significant and long-term issue.
Despite the extent of taxpayer money being spent, still the public remains in the dark about what is going on.
Madeleine Ogilvie admitted she is involved in a Supreme Court matter that she initiated. Jane Howlett has refused to answer the same question.
Now the Premier has given a strong indication Ms Ogilvie is under investigation by the Integrity Commission. Despite widespread questions and speculation, he has made no comment about Jane Howlett, and offered no explanation for why not.
While Tasmanians know little about this matter, the Premier does have the full story. He confirmed this information has to be reported to him in order to approve public expenditure on legal costs for any minister.
In the expectations and commitment the Premier has set in his own words in the Ministerial Code of Conduct, ministers “must uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
Can Jeremy Rockliff assure Tasmanians that Minister Howlett continues to meet that standard of conduct? Doing so should be straight forward – and surely the Premier can’t now argue he has been too busy to think about it.
If the Premier can’t give Tasmanians this basic assurance, he should explain why he thinks a Minister should be allowed to continue in their position, despite allegations of wrongdoing and the fact he himself has questions over her integrity.
