The Hon. Shane Love, Leader of The Nationals WA, Media Release, 29 June 2026
The Nationals welcome today’s confirmation that regional courthouses closed under the Cook Labor Government’s watch will finally reopen in August.
But this crisis should never have happened. The Cook Labor Government had more than a year to address known staffing shortages and ensure regional court services could continue to operate.
This announcement comes only after months of sustained pressure from the Opposition and intense public scrutiny, and while communities will welcome the reopening of their local courts, serious questions remain.
The Government must explain how many victims, witnesses and accused persons were affected, how much taxpayers spent transporting people hundreds of kilometres to access justice, and what safeguards are now in place to ensure this never happens again.
The Attorney General must also answer for the shocking case of Kimberley residents, including a minor, being left stranded without accommodation, family support or transport home.
This was a deplorable situation brought on by a government wholly aware of the crisis but which failed to act and which has failed dozens of communities and hundreds of families, including victims of crime and family and domestic violence.
Related stories: Circuit court sittings to resume earlier than expected: Buti, Whitby; Attorney General fails to guarantee regional courts will reopen: Love
