Taxpayer-Funded Legal Expenses

Ms BURNETquestion to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF

[1.27 p.m.]

Throughout Estimates, you and your ministers repeatedly responded to questions about Ms Ogilvie's legal matters with virtually identical words, that these were 'complex matters subject to confidentiality requirements' and you were 'not able to comment further'. We now know that neither you nor your ministers obtained legal advice before appearing before Estimates about what you could or could not say. Who drafted those talking points? Who directed ministers to use them? On what legal basis did the government conclude that those statements were accurate?

ANSWER

Honourable Speaker, I thank the honourable member for her question. I've sought and received advice over many years and formed a view. I'm aware of mine and others' legal obligations, which have informed my approach to Estimates. They are complex matters. There are laws that apply. There were good reasons, and still are, to be cautious with respect to these matters.

Supplementary Question

Ms BURNET - You said that they are complex matters, again, but these are serious matters. My question, again, is: who provided you with this advice to inform your stonewalling for Estimates committees?

Mr ROCKLIFF - I reject your assertion. I am well aware of the legal parameters within which I can speak with respect to certain matters. I'm not going to risk breaking the law.