State To File More Court Costs Against Heffernan

Serious concerns are being raised by the High Court and lawyers representing the state on who will foot the bill for PCPI Director, Angie Heffernan's court costs which is set to stand at around $130,000.

After a third case by Heffernan seeking to dismiss another Judge of the High Court from hearing her case was struck out yesterday, lawyer representing the State, Adish Narayan said they have been told to make submissions on indemnity costs to claim damages on this case as well.

Narayan said another Judge presiding over the case earlier, Justice Hickie had raised concerns and had directed that Ausaid and NZaid, who Heffernan claimed funded the PCPI, be notified of the court proceedings and questioned whether they are footing the bill for Heffernan's legal battles.

And with Heffernan already facing to pay a similar amount from her previous case which was dismissed, Narayan said they will take Heffernan on her undertaking after she had put up her home and all her property as collateral.

However, speaking to Fijivillage Australian High Commissioner to Fiji James Batley stressed that Ausaid will not allow its funds to be used for such purposes. Batley also clarified that Ausaid does not directly fund PCPI as claimed by Heffernan.

The Acting New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Caroline McDonald when contacted by Fijivillage said that she is looking into the matter and will comment later.

Meanwhile, questions emailed to Heffernan, who is currently in Wellington remain unanswered and the PCPI office in Suva have informed us that they do not have any other means of contacting her at this stage. They are also unaware on when Heffernan will return.