❓ Hon. Kate Doust questions the Minister for Energy regarding compensation for Toodyay bushfire victims, pressing for Western Power to fully cover damages after a report blamed them for the fire. The Minister defends the government's offer and Western Power's contribution, stating liability must be proven in court.
AnsweredQoN 759Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TOODYAY BUSHFIRE — FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY INVESTIGATION
I refer to the minister’s answer to question 645 about the Toodyay bushfires, in which he stated — Negligence has not been established at this stage. What we can do, as a government, and what I can do as minister, is force Western Power to pay those compensation claims. … We want to make sure that we do the right thing for the people of Toodyay to ensure that they have a just outcome. Given that the Premier has now accepted the finding of an EnergySafety report that blamed Western Power for the fire that destroyed 38 homes, left 200 people homeless and caused an estimated $100 million damage, I ask — (1) Why is the minister not forcing Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to the minister’s answer to question 645 about the Toodyay bushfires, in which he stated — Negligence has not been established at this stage. What we can do, as a government, and what I can do as minister, is force Western Power to pay those compensation claims. … We want to make sure that we do the right thing for the people of Toodyay to ensure that they have a just outcome. Given that the Premier has now accepted the finding of an EnergySafety report that blamed Western Power for the fire that destroyed 38 homes, left 200 people homeless and caused an estimated $100 million damage, I ask — (1) Why is the minister not forcing Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(1) Why is the minister not forcing Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(1) Why is the minister not forcing Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(2) Why is Western Power funding only $5 million instead of the full amount? (3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(3) When will the minister force Western Power to pay those compensation claims? (4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(4) Does the minister accept that the $10 million that has been put on the table by the Premier is not a just outcome for the people of Toodyay? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
(1)–(4) I say at the outset no, and I repeat what I said at the time. The second EnergySafety report indicated that Western Power infrastructure was responsible for the fire. I repeat again that Western Power refutes that. Western Power also refutes the fact that it was liable. As the Premier and I have said consistently, that will only ever be proven in a court of law. We will not be delaying any process there; Western Power will not be delaying any process there. If any of the homeowners would like to further that process through a court of law, Western Power certainly will not delay the process whatsoever. We will do all that we can to assist in that area. As far as a just outcome is concerned, we have to ascertain what was fair and reasonable. In this instance, of the 38 homes destroyed, around 20 were uninsured or underinsured. We wanted to ensure that we could do all that we possibly could to assist those people. The government has decided upon a fair system in the package. We have allocated a sum of up to $190 000 for those homeowners who were uninsured or underinsured. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You try to build a house for $190 000! The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is trying to answer the question. I am sure he does not need any other help. Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I am not making a value judgement; I am saying that we are offering people who are uninsured or underinsured $190 000. We will offer up to $150 000 for established homes that were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $50 000 for homes under construction that were at the pre-lock-up stage and were damaged or destroyed; up to a maximum of $15 000 for external structures such as sheds; up to a maximum of $5 000 towards the cost of the cleanup and rubbish removal; up to a maximum of $30 000 for home contents; up to a maximum of $5 000 for items used for employment purposes—for example, tools and equipment; and up to a maximum of $10 000 for private motor vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and motorbikes. In addition, we have given a global allocation of $85 000 for those people who are suffering and need counselling. We will provide counselling services for those people in the Toodyay area to assist them to get back on their feet. It is a good offer. The government has contributed $5 million and Western Power has contributed $5 million. Ultimately, if the residents of Toodyay still want to continue down that path of litigation, this in no way impinges upon or refutes their right to do that. The opportunity for litigation is still available. This offer is not conditional on them not taking legal action.
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