The lawyers acting for the government have demanded a number of reports from the family, including tax returns, medical records and the work history of the couple's 19-year-old daughter Chantelle.
"We feel like we have to justify the claim. It's making it worse this dragging on, considering the promises of the former Minister at the time," the Ghanems said in their statement.
Stephen Mainstone, the lawyer representing the Ghanem family, said the way it's being handled is causing more stress, news.com.au reported.
"They're treating this like it's litigation, like court proceedings have commenced and there haven't been," Mr Mainstone said.
The NSW government has reimbursed the family $7500 for John's funeral costs.