Qld ministers to apologise for defamation

Queensland government ministers could be forced to pay for defamation settlements out of their own pockets if they refuse to apologise for their comments.

The change to the ministerial indemnity guidelines comes after former premier Campbell Newman and his attorney-general, Jarrod Bleijie, cost taxpayers $525,000 in a defamation suit payout.

The figure could reportedly have been less had the pair apologised.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament on Wednesday a new section had been added to the guidelines to encourage ministers to do whatever is necessary to mitigate damages to be paid out by the state.

"Where a grant of assistance includes a condition that legal advice be sought as to whether damages might be mitigated by taking certain actions, for example by issuing a statement of regret, apology, or a retraction," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"If that advice is not followed, the grant of assistance could be withdrawn.

"I think taxpayers will see this is a reasonable step forward."

Ms Palaszczuk said ministers needed legal protections, but they also needed to be responsible for their actions.

"And if their actions look like costing taxpayers a hefty bill, they need to be willing to take action in order to minimise those costs," she said.

Mr Newman and Mr Bleijie were sued by Hannay Lawyers in 2014 for more than $1 million at the height of his government's war on bikies.

The ex-premier publicly declared lawyers representing bikies were "part of the criminal gang machine", while Mr Bleijie later clarified Mr Newman's comments to insist they referred specifically to Hannay Lawyers.

The Crime and Corruption Commission is investigating how the settlement figure was leaked after Mr Bleijie lodged a complaint.