Premier confirms ex-ministers' legal fees are from fighting Integrity Commission

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed in parliament that taxpayer-funded legal fees have been used by two former ministers to fight the Integrity Commission.

Jane Howlett's bill has now reached $405,000, while Madeleine Ogilvie's remains at $120,000.

The government says the former ministers will provide the full details about the cases when they are legally able to.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed in parliament that the half a million dollars in taxpayer-funded legal fees racked up by former ministers Madeleine Ogilvie and Jane Howlett are due to them fighting the Integrity Commission.

Ms Ogilvie and Ms Howlett recently resigned to the backbench over accusations they misled parliament.

Jane Howlett resigned from the frontbench on Tuesday. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)

The pair have both had their legal bills footed by the taxpayer in recent years for unknown cases.

Ms Howlett's bill has now reached $405,000, while Ms Ogilvie's remains at $120,000.

Neither have been able to explain what they are for, but many people have speculated that they relate to Integrity Commission investigations.

Madeleine Ogilvie stepped down from the frontbench last month. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

In parliament today, after years of pursuit by opposition parties, Mr Rockliff confirmed that was true.

Asked by Labor integrity spokesperson Ella Haddad if the legal fees accrued by the two former ministers and the Integrity Commission's own $317,000 bill were about "secret legal disputes" between the former ministers and the commission, the premier replied "yes".

Ms Haddad: During budget estimates the Integrity Commission confirmed that someone initiating court action in the Supreme Court can prevent Integrity Commission reports from being released.

The question taken on notice from estimates has revealed that the Integrity Commission has spent $317,545.19 on its on 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.

Premier, are Tasmanians paying almost a million dollars to cover both sides of secret legal disputes between your former ministers and the Integrity Commission?

Mr Rockliff: There is a process underway and at face value, yes, the answer to your question is yes.

The premier also said he did not expect Ms Howlett's bill would increase any further, but the government would actively disclose if it did.

"My understanding is there will be no further costs incurred, but we've c