Tasmanian Police Commissioner, Jack Johnston, 58, of Tranmere, appeared briefly in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning charged with two counts of disclosing official secrets.

The Crown alleges Mr Johnston disclosed official secrets on two occasions in April this year, once to former Premier Paul Lennon and once to Police Minister Jim Cox.

It is alleged Mr Johnston told Mr Lennon that an allegation had been made claiming an agreement existed for Hobart Lawyer Stephen Estcourt QC to be appointed Solicitor-General in exchange for free legal advice to former Deputy Premier Bryan Green in Mr Green's criminal trial.

The Crown also alleges Mr Johnston had told Mr Lennon that police had decided to investigate the allegations.

The second count involved a briefing note Johnston prepared for Police Minister Jim Cox in April which discussed the investigation of alleged impropriety in the appointment of the Solicitor-General and delays in the investigation due to links between the allegation and the ongoing criminal case against Bryan Green.

Hobart magistrates disqualified themselves from hearing the matter when Johnston appeared in court this morning.

Instead the matter was heard via video link to Launceston before Magistrate Zygmunt Szramka.

Mr Johnston's lawyer David Gunson entered pleas of not guilty to both charges.

Mr Johnston was released on bail and is due to appear in the Supreme Court in February next year.

In August, Mr Johnston voluntarily stood aside after it was revealed police were investigating the matter.