Overview

• The State of Western Australia lodged a Supreme Court appeal challenging the District Court's $2,846,900 award to Dion Barber for abuse suffered in state care.
• Barber’s legal team filed a cross-appeal, with the specific grounds yet to be determined.
• Premier Roger Cook said the government will ensure Barber receives the full $2.85 million regardless of the appeal outcome, noting the state insurer initiated the challenge.
• Prominent lawyer John Hammond and opposition leader Basil Zempilas criticised the appeal as re-traumatising and urged the government to direct the Insurance Commission to abandon it.
• Judge Linda Black found the state liable after deeming Barber a completely credible witness, in a ruling reported as the largest child sexual abuse payout in Western Australia.