State opposition claims closure of regional courthouses ‘a system-wide failure’
The state opposition claims the decision to temporarily close more than 20 regional courthouses in Western Australia due to lack of security is a ‘system-wide failure at the heart of regional justice in Western Australia’.
On Friday, four of the state’s top lawyers signed a public notice saying a number of remote and regional courthouses would temporarily close for a three-month period because the buildings could not be secured.
The statement, signed by Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan, Chief District Court Judge Julie Wager, Chief Children’s Court Judge Hylton Quail and Chief Magistrate Judge Steven Heath, warns that criminal court sessions across much of regional and remote Western Australia will be evacuated because court security and custody services cannot be guaranteed.
The Department of Justice and WA Police have confirmed that court security and surveillance services cannot be guaranteed in the coming months where these services have traditionally been provided by WAPOL.
Heads of judicial authorities were informed that no police officer could provide court security and surveillance services except in exceptional circumstances.
Shadow barrister Nick Goiran said the cut would impact vulnerable victims, children, witnesses, police officers, defendants and regional communities already on edge.
“Victims awaiting trial, families traveling long distances, police already under pressure, and defendants awaiting resolution of matters will all pay the price for this failure,” he said.
“This is not a minor administrative issue, it is a system-wide failure at the heart of territorial justice in Western Australia.”
A state government spokesman said they were aware of the closures and that decisions about court sessions were a matter for the judiciary.
“The state government has been notified that from June 1 to August 28, 2026, judges will discontinue circuit sessions in smaller and remote locations,” they said.
“Matters will instead be heard in major regional centres, including Kununurra, Broome, South Hedland, Karratha, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Northam, Albany, Bunbury, Busselton and Mandurah.”
Court sessions outside major regional centers will be evacuated and registration will be closed in many other regional locations, the statement said.
Court security and custody services in remote and regional Western Australia are provided to courts through arrangements between the Department of Justice and WA Police under the Court Security and Custodial Services Act 1999.
According to the announcement made to the public, the Criminal Court of Peace and the Children’s Court are among the courts that will be most affected by the closures, which will remain in force from June 1 to August 28.
However, specific arrangements will be made in each court to allow certain proceedings to be conducted by video link where possible.
Opposition police minister Adam Hort said the notice was an indictment of the Cook Labor Government’s management of policing in regional WA.
“Local crime is the worst ever recorded, every police district is understaffed and basic court services can no longer be guaranteed,” he said.
“As police struggle to respond to record levels of local crime, it is no surprise that they are being sidelined from court security and custody duties.”
A government spokesman said all agencies were working closely together to ensure the courts function safely, minimize disruption, protect victims and witnesses and ensure regional communities have safe and timely access to justice.
“Preparations are being made to support affected court users, including remote viewing options and targeted registration support where possible,” officials said.
“The well-established supports already available for victims and witnesses, including travel and accommodation arrangements where necessary, will continue throughout these temporary changes.
“Affected court users should first consult the relevant court websites for information about the regulations.
“The state government’s focus is on keeping communities safe and easing pressure on the police while supporting the continued operation of the courts.
“This includes funding practical measures such as expanding contracted court security services and investing in additional Police Auxiliary Officers and special constables starting in the coming months.”
