THE WA Government is yet to secure compensation for a three-year delay in opening Perth Children’s Hospital, leaving WA taxpayers tens of millions of dollars out of pocket.

Six months after PCH was opened, the Government has yet to recoup any money for massive cost over-runs associated with the $1.2 billion facility.

In response to a series of questions put to the Government this week, a spokesman for Finance Minister and Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the State was still in “discussions” with head PCH contractor John Holland on a range of issues.

It was also confirmed that John Holland still had a $300 million claim on the Government “for damages”.

“The State continues its discussions with John Holland regarding a range of commercial matters, including John Holland’s $300 million claim for damages, the State’s claims to damages for late delivery of the hospital, issues related to water, and other matters,” the spokesman said.

PCH was plagued by problems during construction, including lead contamination of its water supply that led to the Government replacing hundreds of brass fittings.

Mr Wyatt this week refused to provide a breakdown of what the Government was claiming in costs from John Holland, but previous media reports estimate the three-year delay cost the State more than $115 million.

John Holland has disputed the fact that the lead contamination problem was the company’s fault.

It declined to comment this week.

Opposition spokesman Bill Marmion said he was not surprised the WA Government had not been able to secure compensation from John Holland.

He said the Labor Government should never have taken possession of the hospital while problems remained unresolved.