Tasmania's Environment Minister resigns after misleading Parliament on Supreme Court matter
Madeleine Ogilvie has stepped down from cabinet after admitting she gave an inaccurate response during a parliamentary hearing about her involvement in a Supreme Court case. Premier Jeremy Rockliff accepted her resignation and has reduced the size of cabinet.
Background and Timeline of Events
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November 17, 2024: During a Budget Estimates hearing, Ogilvie was asked if she had been a subject or party to any Supreme Court matters in the previous 18 months. She answered "No."
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November 20, 2024: Ogilvie issued a clarification, stating she had not been the subject of legal proceedings initiated by another party.
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March 2025: Ogilvie corrected her statement in parliament, confirming she is a party to a current Supreme Court matter she initiated in her ministerial capacity.
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May 22, 2025: Further details emerged, confirming she is a party to proceedings she initiated.
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Late May 2025: Ogilvie resigned from cabinet, stating she did not want the government to be "distracted by this matter" and that she answered the original question "poorly." She cited confidentiality obligations, including a suppression order, as the reason for not disclosing further details.
Statements from Officials and Opposition
Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged Ogilvie's resignation "with sadness," praised her work, and noted she will continue as Member for Clark, focusing on digital innovation and emerging technologies. He declined to comment on whether cabinet would pay Ogilvie's legal fees, citing legal confidentiality.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff argued that Ogilvie intentionally misled parliament on more than one occasion and should resign per the Ministerial Code of Conduct. She questioned why it took six months for the full details to emerge.
Labor leader Josh Willie stated that Ogilvie failed the test of honesty and accountability, and that Premier Rockliff and cabinet have questions to answer about what they knew.
Labor's Ella Haddad criticized the subsequent cabinet reshuffle, stating it does not address what she described as a "scandal" and accused the Liberals of avoiding questions.
Cabinet Reshuffle and Portfolio Changes
Following Ogilvie's resignation, the Tasmanian government reduced the number of ministers from 11 to 10. Her former portfolios were redistributed as follows:
- Environment: Deputy Premier Guy Barnett
- Heritage: Parks Minister Nick Duigan
- Arts: Jane Howlett
- Science and Digital Innovation: Felix Ellis
- Small Business and Community and Multicultural Affairs: Backbencher Marcus Vermey (appointed Parliamentary Secretary)
Premier Rockliff stated the reduction—including staffing changes—will save over $1 million annually.
Political Analyst Commentary
University of Tasmania political analyst Richard Herr identified Michael Ferguson, Roger Jaensch, and Mark Shelton as potential frontrunners for a vacant minister position. He noted that the environment portfolio is critical for engaging with the progressive crossbench.
Future Appearances
Ogilvie will not appear at the next estimates hearing. Treasurer Eric Abetz will instead address her former portfolio areas. The government spokesperson indicated that ministerial announcements would be made later in the week.