- New reward of up to $500,000 for information that directly leads to location of a long-term missing person
- First time a reward of this kind offered in Western Australian history
- Cook Government and WA Police committed to finding answers for families
The Cook Government has announced a new reward of up to half a million dollars for any information that solves long-term missing persons cases in Western Australia.
There are currently 361 long-term missing persons recorded across the State, dating back more than seven decades. Tragically in recent years six Indigenous men from northern WA communities have disappeared.
This significant new reward reflects the Western Australian Police and State Government's commitment to finding missing people and answers for their families.
A long-term missing person is categorised as someone who hasn't been seen or heard from in more than 90 days and there's no indication of criminality. These cases are managed by the Missing Persons Team, which is part of the Major Crime Division.
It is the first time in WA history a reward for a long-term missing person has been offered.
There is also a separate $1 million incentive to help solve several historical unsolved homicides and suspicious disappearances.
Financial rewards are an internationally recognised tactic used to help law enforcement agencies solve serious crimes.
The new reward will be available from early January. WA Police will also launch a dedicated website.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"Families of missing people not only have to live with incredible trauma and loss but with the 'not knowing'.
"Our Government and the WA Police Force is committed to helping find answers for loved ones of long-term missing people.
"This new reward provides half a million reasons for someone in the community with vital information to come forward.
"Each of these unsolved cases are just as important as the next and any detail, no matter how small, could be the key to solving them."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I can't even begin to imagine how these families feel, not knowing what happened to their loved ones and what the future holds.
"We will continue to walk alongside the community in their grief and our Government will continue to provide the WA Police Force with the necessary tools to find answers."
