❓ Hon James Hayward questions the Premier regarding a confidentiality agreement with Griffin Coal concerning taxpayer funds. The Premier's response cites commercial sensitivity and energy security as reasons for limited disclosure.
AnsweredQoN 681Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
GRIFFIN COAL
681. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the comments made by the
Premier in relation to Griffin Coal on 13 June 2023.
(1) Did the government and Griffin Coal enter into a confidentiality
agreement that precludes detailed comment being made on the millions of
dollars of taxpayer funds being given to Griffin Coal?
(2) Did the WA government insist on
a confidentiality agreement or was it requested by Griffin Coal?
(3) Will the
Premier table a copy of the confidentiality agreement in question, or whatever
document stops the government from commenting in detail on this matter?
(4) Is the Cook
Labor government prioritising commercial confidentiality for a failed
foreign-owned corporation over the rights of Western Australians to know what
their tax dollars are being spent on?
681. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the comments made by the
Premier in relation to Griffin Coal on 13 June 2023.
(1) Did the government and Griffin Coal enter into a confidentiality
agreement that precludes detailed comment being made on the millions of
dollars of taxpayer funds being given to Griffin Coal?
(2) Did the WA government insist on
a confidentiality agreement or was it requested by Griffin Coal?
(3) Will the
Premier table a copy of the confidentiality agreement in question, or whatever
document stops the government from commenting in detail on this matter?
(4) Is the Cook
Labor government prioritising commercial confidentiality for a failed
foreign-owned corporation over the rights of Western Australians to know what
their tax dollars are being spent on?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) As
the Premier has previously stated, although the government is committed to
transparency and will provide updates when possible to ensure the public
remains informed, this matter is commercially sensitive and there are
limitations on what the government can share. Any government support to
stabilise Griffin Coal operations is for the purpose of ensuring energy system
security for Western Australia and certainty for the Collie workforce and
community.
the Premier has previously stated, although the government is committed to
transparency and will provide updates when possible to ensure the public
remains informed, this matter is commercially sensitive and there are
limitations on what the government can share. Any government support to
stabilise Griffin Coal operations is for the purpose of ensuring energy system
security for Western Australia and certainty for the Collie workforce and
community.
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