Answers to Questions

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation

394 The Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().11 September 2024).

1. How much has been spent by the Attorney-General's Department office in relation to legal matters involving the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (a) between 1 July 2021 to the present; and (b) between 1 July 2023 to present?

2. What is the value of work undertaken by Ashurst (on behalf of the South Australian government) in relation to Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, and what amount of this work is yet to be invoiced?

3. How much has been spent by the Attorney-General's Department on the process of negotiation with the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC regarding: (a) the hydrogen jobs power plant since 1 July 2022 to the present; (b) the Northern Water desalination project since 1 July 2022 to the present; (c) the Port Bonython precinct since 1 July 2021 to the present; and (d) the drafting of the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act since 1 July 2022 to the present.?

4. What was the total legal fees paid to Ashurst lawyers, incurred by the Attorney-General's Department, in respect to: (a) the hydrogen jobs power plant since 1 July 2022 to the present; (b) the Northern Water desalination project since 1 July 2022 to the present; (c) the Port Bonython precinct since 1 July 2021 to the present; and (d) the drafting of the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act since 1 July 2022 to the present?

5. What was the total legal fees paid to Ashurst lawyers, incurred by the Attorney-General's Department, in respect to: (a) the hydrogen jobs power plant since 1 July 2022 to the present; (b) the Northern Water desalination project since 1 July 2022 to the present; (c) the Port Bonython precinct since 1 July 2021 to the present; and (d) the drafting of the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act since 1 July 2022 to the present?

6. In the last 12 months how many barristers and solicitors have worked on, at least in part, negotiations involving Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC in respect to: (a) the hydrogen jobs power plant; (b) the Northern Water desalination project; (c) the Port Bonython project; and (d) any other advice provided?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): I have been advised:

OHPSA legal costs are disclosed in each annual report. It is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown in relation to specific legal matters.