Regional WA Court Closures to Take Effect in June
More than 20 courthouses across regional and remote Western Australia will close for at least three months starting June 1, after the state's top judges issued a notice limiting custodial services.
Impact on Remote Communities
The closures affect criminal sittings at locations including Fitzroy Crossing, Tom Price, Newman, and Laverton, with matters redirected to larger regional courts.
Major regional locations such as Broome, Karratha, Geraldton, Bunbury, Busselton, Albany, and Kalgoorlie will not be impacted.
District Court circuit sittings in Esperance and Derby will be suspended for three months. Esperance matters will transfer to Kalgoorlie, and Derby matters to Broome. Where alternative arrangements are not possible, hearings will be vacated and relisted later.
Police Response and Priorities
WA Police stated that their priority is responding to urgent community calls. In regional areas with limited resources, local police must be able to patrol and respond rapidly. Police continue to assist the Department of Justice when resources allow.
Community and Legal Sector Reaction
Pilbara Community Legal Service chief executive Joanna Collins noted that the changes create travel barriers, especially for remote communities like Jigalong, where residents face 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.
Government Response
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.