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The state opposition claims a decision to temporarily close more than 20 regional courthouses in WA due to a 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 legal minds signed a public notice stating that a number of remote and regional courthouses would be temporarily closed for a three-month period as security for the buildings cannot be provided.
The notice – signed by the Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan, Chief Judge of the District Court Julie Wager, President of the Children’s Court Hylton Quail and Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates Court Steven Heath – warns that criminal court sittings across much of regional and remote Western Australia will be vacated because court security and custodial services cannot be guaranteed.
The Department of Justice and WA Police have confirmed that court security and custodial services in locations where those services have traditionally been provided by WAPOL cannot be guaranteed in the coming months.
The heads of jurisdiction have been advised that, save in exceptional circumstances, no police officer will provide court security and custodial services.
Shadow attorney Nick Goiran said the disruption would affect vulnerable victims, children, witnesses, police officers, accused persons and already strained regional communities.
“Victims awaiting hearings, families travelling long distances, police already under pressure, and accused persons waiting for matters to be resolved 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 regional justice in Western Australia.”
A state government spokesperson said it had been made aware of the closures and that decisions about court sittings are a matter for the judiciary.
“The state government has been advised that from 1 June to 28 August 2026 magistrates will cease circuit sittings to smaller and remote locations,” they said.
“Matters will instead be heard at the major regional centres, including Kununurra, Broome, South Hedland, Karratha, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Northam, Albany, Bunbury, Busselton and Mandurah.”
The notice stated that court sittings outside the major regional centres will be vacated and registries closed in most other regional locations.
Court security and custodial services in remote and regional Western Australia are provided to the courts through arrangements between the Department of Justice and WA Police made under the Court Security and Custodial Services Act of 1999.
According to the public notice, the Magistrates Court and the Children’s Court are the courts most likely to be affected by the closures, which will remain in place from June 1 till August 28.
However, particular arrangements will be put in place in each court to enable certain proceedings to be conducted by video-link where is possible.
Opposition police minister Adam Hort said the notice was an indictment of the Cook Labor Government’s management of policing in regional WA.
“Regional crime is the worst ever recorded, every police district is understaffed, and now basic court services cannot be guaranteed,” he said.
“When police are stretched trying to respond to record levels of regional crime, it is no wonder they are being pulled away from court security and custodial duties.”
A government spokesperson said all agencies are working closely to keep courts operating safely, minimise disruption, protect victims and witnesses, and maintain safe and timely access to justice for regional communities.
“Preparations are being made to support affected court users, including remote appearance options and targeted registry support where possible,” they said.
“Well established supports are already in place for victims and witnesses, including travel and accommodation arrangements where required, will continue throughout these interim changes.
“Affected court users should in the first instance consult relevant court websites for information about the arrangements.
“The state government’s focus is on keeping communities safe and relieving pressure on police while supporting the continued operation of courts.
“This includes funding practical measures, such as expanding contracted court security services and investing in additional Police Auxiliary Officers and special constables, who will start in the coming months.”
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