❓ Opposition questions government's use of consultants to address Griffin Coal's insolvency and its impact on WA's energy security. Government defends its approach, confirming engagement of Ashurst for legal services.
AnsweredQoN 1273Legislative Council
Asked
18 October 2023
Member
Portfolio
State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade
QuestionView source ↗
GRIFFIN COAL — CONSULTANTS
1273. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade:
I refer to the government's
ineffective outsourcing to find a solution to the ticking time bomb that is the
insolvent Griffin Coal via its engagement of advisers and consultants,
including KPMG, Sternship Advisers, Ad Astra and Preston Consulting.
(1) As at 16
October 2023, has any government ministry, department, agency or entity engaged
consultants or advisers regarding the provision of advice pertaining to the
insolvent Griffin Coal, apart from those listed in the question?
(2) If yes to
(1), who are the consultants or advisers; when were they contracted and for
what purpose; and which government departments or agencies were party to the
contracts?
(3) What is the value and allocated
time frames of the contract?
(4) Do the contracts have a financial
cap; and, if not, why not?
1273. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade:
I refer to the government's
ineffective outsourcing to find a solution to the ticking time bomb that is the
insolvent Griffin Coal via its engagement of advisers and consultants,
including KPMG, Sternship Advisers, Ad Astra and Preston Consulting.
(1) As at 16
October 2023, has any government ministry, department, agency or entity engaged
consultants or advisers regarding the provision of advice pertaining to the
insolvent Griffin Coal, apart from those listed in the question?
(2) If yes to
(1), who are the consultants or advisers; when were they contracted and for
what purpose; and which government departments or agencies were party to the
contracts?
(3) What is the value and allocated
time frames of the contract?
(4) Do the contracts have a financial
cap; and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable Leader of
the Opposition for some notice of the question.
The premise of the question is
incorrect and it is disappointing that the honourable member is not supportive
of the government's approach to ensuring the security of WA's
energy supply.
(1) Yes.
(2) The State
Solicitor's Office briefed Ashurst on 2 December 2022 to provide
specialist legal services to the state in relation to this matter.
(3)–(4) The
State Solicitor's Office and Ashurst are providing legal services under
a partnering arrangement. The value and
duration of the Ashurst agreement is dependent on the legal services required
and the allocation of legal services
between the State Solicitor's Office and Ashurst, as determined by the
State Solicitor's Office.
the Opposition for some notice of the question.
The premise of the question is
incorrect and it is disappointing that the honourable member is not supportive
of the government's approach to ensuring the security of WA's
energy supply.
(1) Yes.
(2) The State
Solicitor's Office briefed Ashurst on 2 December 2022 to provide
specialist legal services to the state in relation to this matter.
(3)–(4) The
State Solicitor's Office and Ashurst are providing legal services under
a partnering arrangement. The value and
duration of the Ashurst agreement is dependent on the legal services required
and the allocation of legal services
between the State Solicitor's Office and Ashurst, as determined by the
State Solicitor's Office.
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