Crime is out of control in Western Australia, with regional areas facing their highest crime rates on record.

Total offences have surged state-wide, increasing from 238,149 in 2020 to a staggering 287,747 in 2023.

Particularly alarming is the sharp rise in domestic violence incidents, which have spiked by 44 per cent compared to the five-year average, highlighting the urgent need for action in both metropolitan and regional WA.

In regional areas alone, domestic violence cases have climbed  from 57,418 to 77,491 within four years—a troubling trend that  reflects a growing crisis in community safety.

Despite repeated commitments, the current government has failed to bolster police numbers proportionate to population growth, leaving WA with fewer officers per capita than when Labor assumed office nearly eight years ago.

High attrition rates have drained the force, with over a thousand officers resigning in the past two years—far exceeding the normal annual attrition rate.

Labor’s promise of 950 additional officers since June 2020 has fallen short by 230, creating a deficit of 458 officers across WA, including 313 in metropolitan areas and 145 in regional districts.

This shortfall is especially pronounced in high-needs districts like Goldfields-Esperance, Kimberley, Mid-West-Gascoyne, and Pilbara, where crime has reached epidemic proportions. The solution extends beyond mere recruitment.

The WA Liberals know our police force faces deep-seated cultural issues, with officers feeling unsupported and demoralised, leading many to seek alternative careers.

The WA Police Union has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Cook Labor Government’s disregard for police welfare, as demonstrated by the Police Minister’s dismissive stance that resignations are “entirely attributable to other opportunities.”

This approach reflects a profound lack of insight into the pressures of modern policing, compounded by the government’s recent failure to introduce presumptive PTSD legislation—despite previous commitments by the Premier and Minister.

Western Australians, especially those serving in our police force, deserve a law and order system that supports the retention and growth of police staffing and provides police with the tools to do their jobs.

Only a WA Liberal Government will deliver it.

The WA Liberals believe that bold action is needed to restore safety and security across Western Australia.

Our society is becoming increasingly complex, and frontline workers—particularly police officers—are facing unprecedented challenges.

The demand for mental health support is soaring, with over 3,000 officers seeking assistance in the past two years alone, compared to 777 in 2019.

In light of these escalating issues, it is critical to prioritise a policy framework that supports a robust, resilient, and community-focused police force to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Western Australians.

The WA Liberal Government will take decisive steps to address the crime epidemic through a comprehensive $510 million Community Policing approach: strengthening police presence, increasing support for officers, and creating safer communities across the state.

By investing in frontline resources, supporting police welfare, and implementing proactive measures, we will build a resilient and community-centred police force.

We believe Western Australians deserve to live in safe neighbourhoods, free from the growing threat of crime and violence.

It’s time to ensure that our communities, our schools, and our streets are protected.

Only a WA Liberal Government will deliver the tools, resources, and leadership to make this vision a reality.