Western Australia Closes Regional Courthouses for Three Months Due to Security Shortages

The Department of Justice in Western Australia has announced the temporary closure of more than 20 regional and remote courthouses for at least three months, starting June 1, due to a lack of police security personnel. The measure affects Magistrates and Children’s Courts, with criminal proceedings redirected to larger regional centers or conducted via video link. Major hubs like Broome and Geraldton remain open, but remote communities such as Fitzroy Crossing and Newman face significant disruptions. Legal advocates warn that the closures create extreme barriers for residents, citing high travel costs, long distances on unsealed roads, and potential cultural challenges. For instance, residents from Jigalong must travel seven hours to South Hedland. Critics argue that these logistical hurdles may cause individuals to miss court dates, leading to contempt charges and deeper entanglement in the justice system. The Department acknowledges the disruption but states the arrangements are necessary for safety. District Court sittings in Esperance and Derby are also suspended, with matters transferred to Kalgoorlie and Broome respectively. The notice remains in effect only as long as required to ensure security for all court users.