More than 20 courthouses across regional and remote Western Australia will resume criminal sittings starting August 3, following a three-month closure that began June 1 due to a dispute over court security and custodial staffing.
The closures, which affected circuit court locations including Fitzroy Crossing, Tom Price, Newman, and Laverton, were resolved after the training of police auxiliary officers to provide security services.
Background of Closure
The closures were initiated after the state's top judges issued a notice limiting custodial services. WA Police had indicated in December 2024 a desire to withdraw officers from court security duties, citing increasing demand for frontline policing, including family and domestic violence incidents. The Justice Department and police then engaged in discussions over staffing arrangements for court security and custodial services.
In April, police indicated they would withdraw from court custody services (lock-ups). Private security firms lack the legislative authority to operate these lock-ups, creating a complication. A short-term solution was devised involving the training of police auxiliary officers (unsworn and unarmed). However, this training could not be completed in time to prevent the June 1 closure.
Courts Affected and Arrangements
Major regional locations such as Broome, Karratha, Geraldton, Bunbury, Busselton, Albany, and Kalgoorlie were not impacted. District Court circuit sittings in Esperance and Derby were suspended for three months. Esperance matters were transferred to Kalgoorlie, and Derby matters to Broome. Where alternative arrangements were not possible, hearings were vacated and relisted.
During the closure period, legal advocates reported that some individuals, including a 16-year-old without accommodation or family support, were left stranded. The Justice Department stated it provided accommodation and transport support to those affected. More than 157 people were transported from regional communities to major centers by police, including via the air wing, to attend court.
Resolution and Resumption
Attorney-General Tony Buti confirmed that services will resume from August 3, about a month earlier than expected. Six police auxiliary officers have been trained and are ready to deploy, with funding available for up to 20 officers.
"Obviously someone in my position … is never happy when access to courts is impacted in this way... really pleased that we were able to bring that forward."
— Dr. Tony Buti, Attorney-General
A longer-term plan to find an alternative to police-led court security and custodial services is being developed, but details are not yet public.
Reactions and Criticisms
Pilbara Community Legal Service chief executive Joanna Collins noted that the changes created travel barriers, especially for remote communities like Jigalong, where residents faced a seven-hour drive to South Hedland. Aboriginal Legal Service director Peter Collins criticized the decision, stating that police have long provided court security without detracting from frontline policing.
Shadow Attorney-General Nick Goiran called the changes a "system-wide failure" affecting vulnerable people in regional communities. Nationals leader Shane Love described the closures as a crisis that "should never have happened" and called for explanation of how many were affected, the cost of transporting people, and safeguards to prevent recurrence.
A state government spokesperson said agencies are working to keep courts operating safely, with preparations including remote appearance options and travel support for victims and witnesses.