Question Without Notice No. 1444 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 November 2023 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
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.