GRIFFIN COAL —
CONSULTANTS
1444. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Attorney General:
I refer to my questions without
notice 1273, 1301 and 1391 of 18 and 19 October and 9 November 2023 on the partnering
arrangement between the State Solicitor's Office and Ashurst for
the provision of legal advice relating to the foreign-owned and insolvent
Griffin Coal.
(1) What is the
specific and detailed framework and the mechanics of the partnering arrangement
between the SSO and Ashurst?
(2) What
reporting mechanisms are embedded in the partnering arrangement between the SSO
and Ashurst, and how, to whom and with what frequency are reports or recommendations
delivered?
(3) Does the SSO
report directly or indirectly to the Attorney General and/or his ministerial
staff on legal advice provided by Ashurst relating to Griffin Coal?
(4) Will the Attorney General define and detail the ''issues relating to this matter'' that the 18 Ashurst solicitors have ''worked
on'' from the answer to my question on 9 November 2023?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
Hon
MATTHEW SWINBOURN replied:
I thank the member for some notice
of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Attorney General.
(1) As previously
advised, the terms and conditions of the arrangement with Ashurst are subject
to legal professional privilege and are confidential.
(2) Ashurst undertakes legal
services as and when requested by the State Solicitor's Office.
(3) The State
Solicitor's Office provides advice, which may include or incorporate
advice by Ashurst, to relevant agencies, departments and ministers as required
and appropriate, as part of the government's response to Griffin Coal's
insolvency.
(4)–(5) The
issues relating to this matter that have been the subject of legal advice are
subject to legal professional privilege and are confidential.