❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details about Horizon Power's engagement of Cheryl Edwardes and Minter Ellison, including contract specifics and potential contact with the Premier's office. The Minister provides answers regarding the legal services provided, costs, and confirms no contact with the Premier's office.
AnsweredQoN 214Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HORIZON POWER — HON CHERYL EDWARDES AND MINTER ELLISON
I am going to see whether I can get a proper answer from the Minister for Energy. Hon Simon O’Brien : It’s unlike you to give up so easily! Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER
I am going to see whether I can get a proper answer from the Minister for Energy. Hon Simon O’Brien : It’s unlike you to give up so easily! Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
Hon Simon O’Brien : It’s unlike you to give up so easily! Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(4) No.
Hon Simon O’Brien : It’s unlike you to give up so easily! Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
Hon KEN TRAVERS : I have done the Minister for Transport enough today; I think I will ask a question of the Minister for Energy! (1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(1) Has Mrs Cheryl Edwardes or the Minter Ellison law firm been contracted by Horizon Power; and, if yes, for what purpose are they contracted? (2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(2) How much is Mrs Edwardes or Minter Ellison being paid by Horizon Power per month, and how long is the contract for? (3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(3) Will the minister table a copy of the contract; and, if not, why not? (4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(4) Does the contract involve Mrs Edwardes having contact with the Premier’s office in relation to Horizon Power issues? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(1) Minter Ellison is engaged by Horizon Power to provide legal services on a broad range of matters relating to its operations. Cheryl Edwardes was one of the solicitors providing advice in relation to developments in the north west interconnected system and on the carbon pollution reduction scheme. (2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(2) Minter Ellison was paid on a fee-for-service rate at standard legal rates. For this financial year, Horizon Power has paid approximately $25 000 per month to Minter Ellison. (3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(3) No, there is no contract for a retainer, as Minter Ellison is paid on a schedule of rates. Tabling the letter of engagement and the schedule of rates would compromise Horizon Power’s ability to negotiate fees for legal services with other providers in future. (4) No.
(4) No.
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