Legal Costs and Transparency Concerns
The Western Australian government has been criticized for its handling of the Griffin Coal mine bailout, particularly regarding the secrecy surrounding legal costs and access to information.
Legal Costs Revealed After Public Pressure
Following a public outcry and pressure from the Auditor General, the government disclosed that it had paid over $540,000 to an international law firm for services related to the mine's insolvency. This revelation came after the Auditor General was initially denied access to the information, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Concerns About Transparency and Access to Information
The Auditor General, Caroline Spencer, expressed concern over the government's refusal to provide information, stating that it was "unusual" and hindered her office's ability to perform its role. She also questioned the government's claim that commercial-in-confidence applied to the legal costs, arguing that it did not apply to third-party contracts.
Opposition Calls for Increased Transparency
The opposition Liberal Party criticized the government's lack of transparency, stating that its promise of "gold standard transparency" was now in tatters. They emphasized the importance of the Auditor General having access to all necessary information to ensure accountability and public trust.
Government's Response
The government defended its actions, stating that it was committed to transparency through existing laws that provided the Auditor General with "unprecedented" access to information. However, the opposition and the Auditor General remain unconvinced, arguing that the government's actions contradict its claims of transparency.
Conclusion
The Griffin Coal mine bailout has raised serious concerns about the Western Australian government's commitment to transparency and accountability. The secrecy surrounding legal costs and the denial of access to information have fueled public distrust and calls for increased scrutiny of the government's actions.