Travis Dawson, a former senior policy adviser to ex-premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, has had his damages claim against the state government struck out for the fifth time. Dawson alleges reprisals were taken against him by several top advisers after he disclosed information under the Public Interest Disclosure Act concerning David Barbagallo, Palaszczuk’s ex-chief of staff. The reprisals allegedly included denial of employment and attempts to terminate his position.
The Crime and Corruption Commission had previously cleared Barbagallo of corrupt conduct but noted a breach in the code of conduct for not disclosing his directorship. Justice Glenn Martin has ordered Dawson to replead his case, citing the need for more specific allegations to give the state government an opportunity to respond. The case will return to court later this year.
