This parliamentary question scrutinises the resignation of Western Power CEO, Sam Barbaro, questioning the circumstances of his departure, the government's communication, his termination package, and whether his exit was linked to perceived failures in the government's energy transition plan.

AnsweredQoN 32Legislative Council
Asked
25 February 2026
Portfolio
Energy and Decarbonisation

QuestionView source ↗

Western Power—Sam Barbaro—Resignation
32. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:
I refer to the
announcement of the CEO of Western Power, Mr Sam Barbaro, that he will leave
his position at Western Power.
(1) Did Mr Barbaro leave willingly and of his own
volition?
(2) Why was the departure not announced by the
government and how has the government formally acknowledged his departure?
(3) What is the projected cost of the termination
package plus entitlements Mr Barbaro will receive when he leaves?
(4) Did Mr Barbaro leave to avoid being
responsible for the government's failed energy transition through the upcoming
failure of the government's transmission plan?
It feels like a
Thursday to me.

AnswerView source ↗

It is not a
Thursday; it is a Wednesday! I thank the honourable member for some notice of
the question. The following answer has been provided by the Minister for Energy
and Decarbonisation.
(1)–(4) Mr Barbaro left Western Power by
mutual decision with the board. The government has acknowledged this decision.
Mr Barbaro's entitlements will be reported in due course subject to audit
review and in line with financial reporting obligations.

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