AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2011
NSW:NSW to cover whistleblower's legal bills=2
Ms Sneddon, 54, worked in the Swansea electorate office of Orkopoulos.
She said she was harassed, bullied and victimised by the MP and co-workers in the office
for almost a year after she reported an October 2005 phone call.
The caller said he had been sexually abused by Orkopoulos since he was 15.
The former Aboriginal affairs minister was jailed in 2008 for at least nine years for
child sex and drugs offences.
Ms Sneddon sued Orkopoulos, the state and the NSW Speaker over her treatment, but after
losing her bid against the state she argued she shouldn't have to pay its legal costs
because of the "unusual circumstances" of the case.
"I've directed my department, the Department of Premier and Cabinet to write to Gillian
Sneddon's solicitors inviting her for an ex-gratia payment in relation to today's cost
order against her," Mr O'Farrell told question time.
"If such a request is made, I'll ensure Ms Sneddon's ability to pay the state's cost
will be met by the government on an ex-gratia basis.
"Ms Sneddon ... shouldn't be penalised for ... reporting a crime to the police.
"Our decision today is the least we can do for a brave and decent woman."
AAP ab/tr/jl/jjs
KEYWORD: SNEDDON 2 SYDNEY (REOPENS)
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