MINISTER
FOR CHILD PROTECTION — DEFAMATION PROCEEDINGS
169. Ms M.J. DAVIES to the Premier:
I refer to reports that the embattled Minister for Child Protection
is being sued by former Western Australian of the Year Dr Tracy Westerman, AM,
over public comments the minister made. Will WA taxpayers foot the bill for the
minister's legal defence?
Mr M. McGOWAN
replied:
I thank the member for the question.
There are protocols around these things that apply to
government ministers that have been in place for many years. Those protocols
have been applied by both sides of government over the years. I recall back in
the day, during Colin Barnett's government, protocols were applied in
relation to Mr Joe Francis. I can go further back to the Richard Court
government, when they were also applied in relation to Hon Cheryl Edwardes.
Obviously, I have had my own issue with Mr Clive Palmer suing me. I expect that
the protocols that are in place will be applied.