❓ Mr Zempilas questions the Premier regarding comments made by the member for Bassendean about the Dion Barber case. The Premier acknowledges Mr Barber's bravery and clarifies the government's position on the appeal, highlighting their commitment to supporting abuse victims.
AnsweredQoN 621Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Dion Barber—Legal case
621. Mr Basil Zempilas to
the Premier:
Does
the Premier agree with the member for Bassendean's comments to the media this morning,
when he said:
I think the decision
to require Dion Barber to relive his sexual abuse through the court case was a
really poor one and not consistent with the government being a moral litigant.
The Speaker: Premier, I would just
like to remind you—I am sure you are well aware, of course—that
this is on foot.
621. Mr Basil Zempilas to
the Premier:
Does
the Premier agree with the member for Bassendean's comments to the media this morning,
when he said:
I think the decision
to require Dion Barber to relive his sexual abuse through the court case was a
really poor one and not consistent with the government being a moral litigant.
The Speaker: Premier, I would just
like to remind you—I am sure you are well aware, of course—that
this is on foot.
AnswerView source ↗
Thank
you for your guidance, Mr Speaker. I will take the opportunity, though, to once
again acknowledge the bravery of victims of abuse like Mr Barber. Of course, we
acknowledge his bravery in coming forward about his particular circumstances. On
behalf of the state government, I apologise for what Mr Barber experienced
while in state care. The nature and extent of abuse suffered by Mr Barber is
not being challenged as part of his appeal. In fact, the advice I have received
is that he will not be called to give evidence as part of this appeal and that
he has received the full payment of $2.8 million regardless of the outcome of
the appeal. The appeal is about making the settlement process quicker for other
victims by clarifying how the law is interpreted. This could spare other victim-survivors
from having to go through a lengthy process and stand trial in the future, as
Mr Barber experienced.
It
was our government that removed the limitation period for child sexual abuse
claim victims in 2018 and made these types of claims possible. It was those
opposite who, when in government, refused to make that happen when they
occupied the government benches.
Several
members interjected.
The Speaker: Members!
you for your guidance, Mr Speaker. I will take the opportunity, though, to once
again acknowledge the bravery of victims of abuse like Mr Barber. Of course, we
acknowledge his bravery in coming forward about his particular circumstances. On
behalf of the state government, I apologise for what Mr Barber experienced
while in state care. The nature and extent of abuse suffered by Mr Barber is
not being challenged as part of his appeal. In fact, the advice I have received
is that he will not be called to give evidence as part of this appeal and that
he has received the full payment of $2.8 million regardless of the outcome of
the appeal. The appeal is about making the settlement process quicker for other
victims by clarifying how the law is interpreted. This could spare other victim-survivors
from having to go through a lengthy process and stand trial in the future, as
Mr Barber experienced.
It
was our government that removed the limitation period for child sexual abuse
claim victims in 2018 and made these types of claims possible. It was those
opposite who, when in government, refused to make that happen when they
occupied the government benches.
Several
members interjected.
The Speaker: Members!
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