The contractor of the trouble-plagued Perth Children's Hospital has served the West Australian government with a $300 million compensation claim over work on the project.
Health Minister Roger Cook revealed the figure in parliament on Wednesday after he was quizzed by Opposition Leader Mike Nahan on the progress of fixing lead contamination, which has delayed the hospital from opening.
"Whose side is he on?" the minister asked of Dr Nahan.
"Is he on the side of the builder who has a $300 million claim against the WA taxpayer? Is he on the side of the builder who has failed to deliver this hospital project?"
The $1.2 billion hospital was originally due to open in 2015 but has been beset by problems, including unsafe levels of lead in drinking water, asbestos in roof panels and non-compliant fire doors.
It is costing taxpayers about $6 million a month while it remains unused.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has previously insisted contractor John Holland will foot the bill for the extra costs while premier Mark McGowan has said the contractor is likely to be sued.
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