Criminal Sittings in Remote and Regional Western Australia
Public Notice
Court security and custodial services in remote and regional Western Australia are provided to the courts pursuant to long-standing arrangements between the Department of Justice (Department) and Western Australia Police (WAPOL) made under the Court Security and Custodial Services Act 1999. The provision of those services is essential to the ability of the courts to conduct court proceedings safely and effectively.
The Department and WAPOL 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.
In the absence of confirmation that court proceedings in those locations can be conducted in a safe manner, it is necessary to limit court sittings to those locations outside the metropolitan area where reliable court security or custodial services can be assured. Those locations are: Broome, Kununurra, South Hedland, Karratha, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Northam, Albany, Bunbury, Busselton and Mandurah. Court sittings will be vacated and registries closed in most other regional locations.
The Magistrates Court and the Children's Court are the courts most likely to be affected by these arrangements, which will remain in place from 1 June 2026 to 28 August 2026. Particular arrangements will be put in place in each court to enable certain proceedings to be conducted by video-link where that is possible.
Court users should refer to individual practice notes issued by each court for the particular arrangements that apply.
The courts recognise the significant disruption these arrangements will have on court services in remote and regional Western Australia. The arrangements will remain in place only for so long as is necessary to ensure the safety and security of all court users.
Dated 15 May 2026
The Hon Justice Peter Quinlan
Chief Justice of Western Australia
Her Honour Judge Julie Wager
Chief Judge of the District Court of Western Australia
His Honour Judge Hylton Quail
President of the Children's Court of Western Australia
His Honour Magistrate Steven Heath
Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates Court of Western Australia
Last updated: 20 May 2026