Independent Commission Against Corruption

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General about legal proceedings involving ICAC.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: It is my understanding that lawyers acting for former Renewal SA chief executive John Hanlon have now launched a significant multimillion dollar claim for damages against former ICAC officers, including the former commissioner, Bruce Lander, and two former investigators involved in the bungled investigation and subsequent failed court action: Andrew Baker, the former director of investigations; his assistant, Amanda Bridge; and another former legal officer. This action will place taxpayers at ongoing risk of even more costs, whether or not it is successful. My question to the Attorney-General is:

1. Is he aware of the claim, and is it the government's intention to defend the claim?

2. Will the government have to cover the legal costs of Mr Lander and the others named by the plaintiff in the claim, all of whom are no longer employed by the government?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I am sure it won't surprise the honourable member that as Attorney-General I won't comment on either legal proceedings or any pre-action that would come before legal proceedings. What I can tell the honourable member is some general comments.

Generally, when there are civil claims made against the government, the government receives advice from their lawyers in the Crown Solicitor's Office. There is an entire civil litigation section of the Crown Solicitor's Office and I expect that would be the usual course of action for anything that is either proceedings before a court or those actions that come before such proceedings.