An abuse lawyer has accused the WA government of hijacking a case of historical sexual abuse to "clarify law", instead of legislating it through parliament because it would be "political suicide".

In September, Dion Barber was awarded $2.85 million in compensation by District Court Judge Linda Black for abuse he suffered during the 1980s and 1990s while in state care.

He first reported sexual abuse by his stepfather at eight years old, and was taken away by the state.

Mr Barber was then sent back to live with the same man, where he was raped and abused again.

The state of Western Australia is appealing the entire basis of the case , arguing government officials acted in good faith and were therefore "immune from liability".

Juliana Fiorucci, a lawyer on Bradley Bayly Legal's abuse te

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