Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Pratt for her question. Senator Pratt, you would be aware it is longstanding practice for Commonwealth statutory office holders and employees to be indemnified for the costs of defending legal proceedings brought against them. For your information, the indemnity given to Mr Hadgkiss covering his costs was consistent with the Commonwealth Legal Services Directions. It did not cover the penalty awarded against him. In terms of your question as to what are the finalised legal costs, I am advised that the amount for Mr Hadgkiss's legal costs is yet to be finalised.