Public servants who “received a grant of legal assistance” during the Commission of Inquiry may have to pay back their legal fees, depending on the outcome of an independent review.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett said the investigation will determine whether the officers acted “in good faith” and, if not, they will be required to reimburse the Crown.
Some individuals who should have been named in the final report were ‘not held accountable’ due to shortcomings in the laws governing the Commission of Inquiry, the final report by the Commission said.
The Attorney-General is also seeking an independent review of the Commission of Inquiry Act, which will address identified limitations and evaluate the need for extending its powers.
“The Rockliff Government has committed to all 191 recommendations from the COI, and these two reviews are an important part of our commitment,” Barnett said.
“The safety of our children and young people is our absolute priority and we are focused on building a culture that ensures the failings in our systems and institutions highlighted by the COI will never be repeated.”
