WA Government sued over ‘horrific sexual abuse’ allegations from a former ward of the state

A former ward of the state is suing the WA government for compensation, claiming he was placed into the care of family members who repeatedly abused him.

A man subjected to alleged “horrific sexual abuse” is suing the Western Australian government, alleging he was placed into the care of family members who repeatedly abused him while he was a ward of the state.

Dion Barber claims systemic failings by the now Department of Communities allowed the abuse to occur over many years by multiple relatives.

Mr Barber’s lawyer Joel Sheldrick told the court evidence presented during the trial would show the devastating effects the abuse had on his client’s life, which he first reported when he was eight years old.

Dion Barber is suing the WA government over allegations he was subjected to “horrific sexual abuse” while in state care. Picture: NewsWire/ Emma Kirk

Mr Sheldrick said guardianship was a serious obligation but what authorities did after his client was put back in the care of family members was “inexcusable and appalling.”

Mr Sheldrick told the court authorities failed to adequately check whether his client’s relatives were fit and proper people to care for children.

The plaintiff alleges authorities then failed to remove him from homes where he was placed after they became aware of abuse complaints.

On one occasion, authorities allegedly placed Mr Barber back into the care of a relative after a magistrate found four months earlier the man had sexually abused him.

He also claims he was forced to attend more than a dozen counselling sessions with a psychologist and an alleged abuser when he was nine.

Minister Don Punch was an acting supervisor at the now Department of Communities and could be called to give evidence during the trial. Picture: Facebook

Mr Sheldrick told the court decisions made by authorities were negligent and had “truly catastrophic” consequences on his client.

“(This was a child) declared in need of urgent care of protection, he was in the hands of the director general and was placed in care of his abuser,” he said.

Disability Services, Regional Development, Fisheries, Volunteering and Seniors Ageing Minister Don Punch could be called to give evidence during the three-week civil trial which began in Perth’s District Court on Tuesday.

The trial continues.