Government Refuses to Release Report on Prisoner Escape

Media Release | 17 October 2025
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Nick Goiran MLC
Shadow Attorney-General

Shadow Attorney General Nick Goiran has slammed the Cook Labor Government for its refusal to release even a summary of findings from the investigation into the escape of accused child sex offender Robert Kevin McCullough earlier this year.

Mr Goiran said the Attorney General’s response in Parliament this week confirmed that no document (not even a mere summary of the findings or outcomes) would be tabled, despite the Government’s earlier commitment to transparency.

“It’s one thing for the Government not to release the full investigation report, but that’s not what the Opposition have asked for,” Mr Goiran said.

“I asked for a simple summary of the findings and outcome. At least something to reassure the community that lessons have been learned and accountability has occurred. Instead, we’ve been met with arrogance.”

The investigation into how McCullough was able to simply walk out of a courthouse was conveniently scheduled to conclude on 19 September, the day after Parliament last sat before the break.

Mr Goiran said the Attorney General’s refusal to provide information demonstrates that the WA Labor Government’s so-called “gold standard transparency” has once again descended into gold standard secrecy.

“There is no good reason why the public should be kept in the dark about a matter as serious as a prisoner escape,” he said.

“If the Government cannot explain what went wrong in this case even after a concluded
investigation, how can Western Australians have confidence it won’t happen again?”

Mr Goiran said a responsible government would release a statement that:

1. Acknowledges not every detail can be made public due to operational
   sensitivities, and
2. Provides the community with confidence that serious steps have been taken,
   including disciplinary or procedural changes, to ensure an accused child sex
   offender cannot simply walk free again.
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“This was an alarming breach of public safety, and Western Australians deserve
answers,” Mr Goiran said.
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Contact: Graham Mason 0419 194 792

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