Premier Roger Cook says compensation will be awarded to Dion Barber for tragic abuse regardless of appeal

Roger Cook has been accused of making “unacceptable” comments over his Government‘s decision to appeal a court order awarding millions in compensation to a man who was repeatedly sexually abused while under the State’s care. Dion Barber was returned to his family home months after his stepfather’s vile crimes were accepted in court in 1988, when he was aged eight. The abuse resumed and he was violated at various other placements by the State, a devastating cases that in September resulted in the now 45-year-old survivor being awarded $2.85 million in damages by the District Court. But this week, the State Government lodged an appeal against the judgement. In an interview with ABC Radio on Tuesday afternoon, the Premier was asked whether he was concerned over his Government’s decision to fight Mr Barber over his compensation. “I’ve certainly got concerns that it’s received some adverse public conversation or feedback,” Mr Cook said. “I understand that there’s a level of concern in the community. We’ll certainly make sure we look out for that.” Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas condemned the Premier over his remarks, which he claims showed little regard for Mr Barber and his tragic history of abuse. “Frankly, that is unacceptable, Premier. Negative political blowback should be the least of his concerns,” Mr Zempilas said. “Expending more taxpayer money to drag the victim through yet more costly litigation is a disgrace. “The Opposition is calling on you, Premier, to direct your Treasurer to instruct the Insurance Commission, as she is legally empowered to do under the commission’s legislation, to immediately put an end to this appeal.” During his radio interview, the Premier claimed the appeal against Mr Barber was at “arm’s length” of the Government and made independently by the State-owned insurer. “These decisions are taken by the insurer and the insurer engages the legal teams who manage the actual process,” Mr Cook said. “I don’t want to see Mr Barber, you know, go through any more stress and anxiety then he’s already endured. “I do want to make sure that we look at responsibility, particularly in the interests of the WA taxpayer.” On Wednesday, following backlash over his comments, the Premier clarified that Mr Barber will be awarded his full compensation and that the appeal would continue to clarify certain aspects of the law. “This is new law, there are aspects of the law and legalities which need to be clarified and that is one of the reasons why the case has been appealed to clarify those specific legal issues,” Mr Cook said. “This is an important case and we want to thank Dion for coming forward with such courage to tell his story, a story which will potentially re-traumatise him as part of his lived experience. “I can say that my Government will preserve that full payment regardless of the outcome of the appeal.” Mr Barber broke down in tears when Judge Linda Black handed him the largest award of damages made to a survivor of child sexual abuse in WA. His lawyer Hugo Seymour, of Maurice Blackburn, said that it was the first historical sexual abuse case against the State to proceed to trial and judgment since the time limit for claims were removed in 2018. Mr Barber’s lawyers have filed a cross appeal against the State but the grounds are yet to be determined. Disappointed by the move, Mr Barber said talking about his abuse was the hardest thing he had ever done. “All I ever wanted was some recognition from the State that they failed me and are responsible,” he said. “Them appealing the decision just tells me they still refuse to.”