A Labor MP says he hopes the West Australian government's appeal over a multi-million-dollar compensation payout to a child sexual abuse survivor fails, amid mounting criticism from legal experts and advocates.

Dion Barber was awarded $2.85 million in September for abuse he suffered during the 1980s and 1990s while in state care.

The appeal is being led by the government's independent insurance arm, which Treasurer Rita Saffioti has the power to direct.

The WA government says the appeal is necessary to "clarify" the existing law, but one of its own backbenchers, Dave Kelly, says he hopes the case is lost.

"I certainly hope the court upholds the original decision," he told reporters on Thursday morning.

"I think that's in the best interest of survivors.

" It's been a very difficult p

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