Insurer may chase Buswell on costs
Premier Colin Barnett has conceded most West Australians “probably” believe former Treasurer Troy Buswell should pay for the damage to his ministerial Holden Caprice.
Mr Buswell crashed the car several times on his way home from a Kings Park wedding after hours of drinking in February. He pleaded guilty to counts of careless driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident and was fined $3100 and had his drivers’ licence suspended for 12 months
It was revealed in Parliament yesterday that the damage bill for Mr Buswell’s vehicle was $14,700.
Damage to four parked cars he hit is estimated at $12,000.
The Opposition says Mr Buswell should pay back the entire amount.
Mr Barnett said this morning “probably most people think he should” pay it back but added that it was a matter for Mr Buswell and for the State Government’s self-insurer RiskCover.
“RiskCover is assessing that. I am aware they have sought legal advice as to whether to pursue the recovery of those costs from Troy Buswell,” he said. “They may well do so. But that is a matter I will leave to them and their lawyers.”
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said it was disgraceful taxpayers might have to foot Mr Buswell's damage bill and the State Government should make him pay.
"How can the government at any stage make points on law and order or issues to do with road safety or drink driving when they allow that sort of thing to go on in their ranks?" Mr McGowan told ABC radio today.
