The WA government's plan to buy back the state's freight rail network has opened the door to a passenger train from Perth to Albany. The line was scrapped in 1978, and several attempts to revive it have failed. Rail advocates say now is the time to study the costs and benefits. The state government says public control of the network will allow new passenger rail options, but that significant investment would be needed. Community leaders in Albany and Katanning say a service would boost tourism and give residents better access to health care and education.
Residents of South Hedland confronted WA Premier Roger Cook during a five-hour visit to the northern town. It was his first trip there since the state government announced a coronial inquest into the deaths of three local children in 2022. Cook said he fully appreciated that people wanted to see things improve. Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski accompanied him, and no child protection policy announcements were made. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said it was insulting that the premier did not meet affected families.
Forced adoption survivors in Western Australia say they are frustrated by slow progress two years after the government responded to a 2023 inquiry. The inquiry made 39 recommendations, but a working group advising the government has operated under confidentiality agreements. Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski says 10 recommendations are now complete and that redress is under further consideration. The minister has also pledged laws for integrated birth certificates listing biological and adoptive parents. Survivors want a set timeline for redress, which they say could help fund counselling.
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WA Tertiary Education Minister Tony Buti is pressing ahead with a plan to merge Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia. He says the merger would address duplicated courses, fragmented investment and limited scale. Curtin and Murdoch vice-chancellors have strongly opposed the plan, while UWA called it an opportunity. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas criticised a Deloitte cost-benefit report that contained errors. Deloitte has described the errors as minor and Mr Buti says he will ask the firm to return part of its fee.
Sandalwood producers in Western Australia say the government has not clearly explained what will replace the current harvesting order, which expires at the end of this year. The order allows 2,500 tonnes of wild sandalwood to be harvested each year. A proposed shift of oversight from the Forest Products Commission to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has left harvesters and exporters uncertain about future investment. Premier Roger Cook says the government is consulting widely. Some producers, including oil maker Dutjahn, say the transition has been expected and that the industry has had time to prepare.
WA Attorney General Tony Buti has requested a coronial inquest into the deaths of three children killed by their mother in Port Hedland in 2022. The request follows a sustained campaign by the children's grandmother, Dorothy Papertalk, who had been denied an inquest by a former coroner. Buti said he is now satisfied there is new evidence that was not considered earlier, though he did not detail it. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the delay was unfair and cruel to Ms Papertalk. Buti also announced a broader review of the laws guiding coronial inquests.
The WA Government has appointed Janelle Marr as Senior Coordinator for the multi-agency response to children at risk in the Pilbara. She reports directly to the Child Protection Minister, Jessica Stojkovski, and will lead weekly interagency meetings. Ms Marr has more than 25 years of leadership experience at board and executive level. Alongside the appointment, the government is expanding the Safe Night Space in Port Hedland from three nights to seven nights a week, and deploying additional senior child protection staff to the Pilbara.
