Update to Criminal Sittings in Remote and Regional Western Australia
Public Notice
This public notice supersedes the Public Notice issued by the heads of jurisdiction on 15 May 2026 (Public Notice).
The heads of jurisdiction have been advised that the Department of Justice (Department) and Western Australia Police have recently entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of court security and custodial services in remote and regional Western Australia.
The Department has confirmed that, as a consequence of the Memorandum of Understanding, sufficient court security and custodial services will be available in those court locations affected by the Public Notice from 3 August 2026.
As a result, court sittings in the affected regional locations will resume on 3 August 2026. Video link hearings from those locations in relation to arrested persons will resume immediately.
Court users should refer to individual practice notes issued by each court for further details. The courts recognise that particular arrangements may need to be made for matters that have already been transferred to other locations. Court users should contact the court registries in those locations in relation to those arrangements.
The heads of jurisdiction have been advised that the above arrangements will continue while the Department pursues a long-term reform project to develop an alternative to current police-led arrangements for court security and custodial services.
Dated 29 June 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: 30 June 2026