Department of Justice WA

12/06/2026

Celebrating 50 years

This year marks an important milestone for the Family Court of Western Australia.

Commencing operations in 1976, the Court has played a vital role in supporting WA families through some of life’s most complex and challenging moments.

Western Australia remains the only jurisdiction with its own family court bringing State and Federal law matters together under one roof, a unique model keeping the system accessible and close to the community it serves.

An event this morning marking 50 years provided an opportunity to recognise the Judicial Officers and staff whose work continues to make a meaningful difference to the State every day.

The Hon Chief Judge Sutherland reflected upon the work of all those at the Family Court of Western Australia and welcomed the Attorney General the Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, the Hon Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan, the Department’s Director General Kylie Maj, and the Deputy Director General Court & Tribunal Services Joanne Stampalia, who were in attendance.

12/06/2026

🤝 🏈 West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce and co-captains Isabella Lewis and Charlotte Thomas have inspired women at Greenough Regional Prison during a special visit.

The players shared their stories, kicked the footy with the women, spoke about how far women’s sport has come, and created a sense of connection beyond the prison walls.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for the women to connect with the outside world, develop a sense of pride while kicking the footy, and hear stories from players,” Women’s Support Officer Leanne said.

West Coast Eagles AFLW

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

The vital work of Corrective Services employees, their dedication and service, goes largely unseen, yet they contribute to safer communities for us all, every day.

Earlier this month a selection of our staff had pictures displayed on the big screen, at Yagan Square Digital Tower in the Perth CBD for National Corrections Day. 👏

More than 5,000 people are employed in Corrective Services across WA, from Prison, Youth Custodial and Community Corrections Officers to nurses and psychologists to teachers, trainers and tradies, Drug Detection Officers and security.

Every role works towards reduced reoffending, for a safer State.

09/06/2026

During World Elder Abuse Awareness Day week, the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is raising awareness of how you can protect yourself by effectively planning for the future.

The OPA is delivering a free online community information session on Wednesday, 17 June from 11am to 12pm, hosted by Bankwest, which explains how to plan ahead using Enduring Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Guardianship and Advance Health Directives.

They’ll be providing tips on how to complete the paperwork, understand witnessing requirements and what you should do with the finished documents.

Register now!
https://bankwestevents.bankwest.com.au/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=880223&

For more information visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-justice/office-of-the-public-advocate/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-opa-information

08/06/2026

👏 King’s Birthday Honours for Justice staff 👏

Three outstanding Corrective Services leaders have been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal.

With 80+ years of combined service across WA’s prisons, they have helped change lives and strengthen community safety across WA.

✅Assistant Commissioner John Hedges will mark 40 years with Justice this year, having served in management positions across the custodial estate. His leadership has strengthened cultural engagement, security and staff stability.

✅Prisoner Education Campus Manager Fiona Moriarty has dedicated more than 25 years to improving education, training and life opportunities for people in custody. Since 2007, her work at Karnet has supported complex learning needs, helping make it the strongest performer in prisoner traineeships.

✅Employment Coordinator Carole Ackerley has been recognised for improving employment outcomes and life opportunities for prisoners at Karnet Prison Farm and Roebourne Regional Prison. She has been pivotal in shaping successful employment and reintegration programs in WA.

Our exceptional team members are contributing to a safer Western Australia.

Learn more ->https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/kings-honours-three-exceptional-corrective-services-leaders

05/06/2026

📢 Nominations now open: Attorney General’s Community Service Law Awards (20th Anniversary!) ⚖️🎉

The Attorney General’s Community Service Law Awards return in 2026, celebrating 20 years of recognising outstanding pro bono and community legal work.

Attorney General Dr. Tony Buti MLA is encouraging nominations, recognising the vital contribution of legal professionals who give their time and expertise to support fair and equal access to justice.

🏆 Award Categories:

• Individual
• Legal Aid Panel Member
• Not-for-Profit Organisation
• Legal Firm

📅 Nominations close: Friday, 10 July.

👉 Submit your nomination: www.justice.wa.gov.au/lawaward

29/05/2026

In a nod to National Reconciliation Week, prisoners have added an ochre ‘tree’ to Karnet Prison Farm’s contribution to the Blue Tree Project.

Prisoners created the steel trees in the facility’s workshop to form the outdoor sculpture as a symbol of hope, visibility, and connection.

The ochre tree was designed to honour indigenous communities and a reminder of the importance of cultural, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

“Projects like these remind us of our shared responsibility to strengthen relationships with First Nations peoples, encourage truth-telling, and continue the journey towards respect,” Assistant Superintendent Offender Services Lorena Tati said.

The Blue Tree Project is a mental health charity that works to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and su***de. These blue trees are a visual reminder to check on those around us and to start conversations about mental health.

Learn more about Reconciliation Week and how to get involved ->https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

27/05/2026

The Department of Justice was ‘All In’ at this morning’s National Reconciliation Week Breakfast.

About 40 senior leaders, Aboriginal staff and members of the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee joined hundreds of others at the Optus Stadium event hosted by Reconciliation WA to kick off the seven-day annual observance.

Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce (second from left) was among colleagues who heard addresses from Premier Roger Cook, Governor Chris Dawson and keynote speaker Narelda Jacobs.

Other staff participated in the occasion virtually at worksites.

National Reconciliation Week is being marked with events and gatherings across the Department including custodial facilities.

25/05/2026

Maintaining the latest skills and knowledge and staying prepared to keep colleagues and people in our care safe, is all in a day’s work for Prison Officers.

We recently joined a team as they demonstrated Breathing Apparatus (BA) training.

The course, and annual refresher training, teaches vital skills that can be critical in an emergency.

Take a look behind the scenes at how officers ‘train for the team’, for a Safer, Smarter, Healthier Corrections.