❓ Hon Nick Goiran questions the Treasurer's performance regarding the DB v State of Western Australia case, specifically concerning costs, briefings, and the Premier's statements, seeking disclosure of expended funds.
AnsweredQoN 341Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Treasurer—Performance
341. Hon Nick Goiran to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Treasurer:
I refer to the
resolution of the house on 6 May 2026 expressing concern at the unsatisfactory
performance of the state Treasurer in 2025.
(1) Does the Treasurer recall being asked
on 18 September 2025 what is the expected total cost to taxpayers, including
damages and costs, for the failed state defence in the case of DB v the State of Western Australia and not
providing that information?
(2) Is the Treasurer aware that it was
revealed on 19 November 2025 that the Treasurer had been briefed by the Insurance
Commission of Western Australia about this case?
(3) Is the
Treasurer aware that the Premier has stated that the government will preserve
the full payment of Mr Barber regardless of the outcome of the appeal?
(4) In these circumstances, will the Treasurer
now disclose how much money has been expended in this case to date?
(5) If no to (1), (2), (3) or (4), why
not?
341. Hon Nick Goiran to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Treasurer:
I refer to the
resolution of the house on 6 May 2026 expressing concern at the unsatisfactory
performance of the state Treasurer in 2025.
(1) Does the Treasurer recall being asked
on 18 September 2025 what is the expected total cost to taxpayers, including
damages and costs, for the failed state defence in the case of DB v the State of Western Australia and not
providing that information?
(2) Is the Treasurer aware that it was
revealed on 19 November 2025 that the Treasurer had been briefed by the Insurance
Commission of Western Australia about this case?
(3) Is the
Treasurer aware that the Premier has stated that the government will preserve
the full payment of Mr Barber regardless of the outcome of the appeal?
(4) In these circumstances, will the Treasurer
now disclose how much money has been expended in this case to date?
(5) If no to (1), (2), (3) or (4), why
not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader
of the Opposition for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Treasurer.
(1)–(5) The government acknowledges the bravery
of Mr Barber and survivors like him. Mr Barber has received the full payment of
$2.8 million. I also remind the Parliament that it was this Labor
government that removed the limitation period for child sexual abuse civil
claims in 2018, making claims of this kind possible.
of the Opposition for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Treasurer.
(1)–(5) The government acknowledges the bravery
of Mr Barber and survivors like him. Mr Barber has received the full payment of
$2.8 million. I also remind the Parliament that it was this Labor
government that removed the limitation period for child sexual abuse civil
claims in 2018, making claims of this kind possible.
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