Question regarding the government's consideration of recommendations from the Law Reform Commission on provisional damages and gratuitous services, particularly in relation to asbestos-related diseases and the potential reintroduction of the Asbestos Diseases Compensation Bill. The response acknowledges the issue but deflects responsibility for misleading legal advice.

AnsweredQoN 693Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 February 2023
Portfolio
Attorney General; Minister for Electoral Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to Law Reform Commission of Western Australia Final Report Project 106: Provisional Damages and Damages for Gratuitous Services: (a) Has the Attorney General read the report; (b) Is the Government still considering legislation relating to the report: (i) If yes, when can such legislation be expected; and (ii) What consultation has been undertaken in relation to the legislation; (c) Will the Government seek to reintroduce the Asbestos Diseases Compensation Bill 2013, drafted by Hon Kate Doust MLC; and (d) Is the Attorney General aware of lawyers promising compensation to asbestosis victims if the legislation had passed between 2013-17: (i) If yes, what actions have been taken to ensure asbestosis victims are aware they may have been misled and what support has been or will be provided?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 March 2023
Response time
6 days
(a)-(c) The McGowan Government recognises asbestos-related diseases as a significant issue in Western Australia and is profoundly sympathetic to those suffering such illnesses. The Government is committed to improving measures to keep the community safe from dust disease and to addressing the hardship experienced by asbestos disease sufferers and their families.
(d) Anyone with concerns about their interaction with the legal profession should contact the Legal Services and Complaints Committee (LSCC).  The LSCC, an independent statutory committee of the Legal Practice Board, is responsible for ensuring ethical conduct and professional behaviour in the legal profession.

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