Labor’s 2020 Police Promise Becomes a 2030 Problem

Media Release | 17 November 2025
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Adam Hort MLA
Shadow Minister for Police; Corrective Services; Youth
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New figures uncovered through Parliament questions show the Cook Labor Government is
so far behind on its 2020 police recruitment promise it may take a decade to meet its own
staffing target.

The data shows Western Australia is losing more than one police officer every single day,
with 399 officers resigning, retiring or medically retiring so far this year. Over the same
period, 452 officers have commenced with WA Police, leaving a net gain of just 53 officers.

Shadow Minister for Police Adam Hort said frontline officers are carrying the consequences
of the Government’s failure to properly resource the police service.

“Police are stretched, burnt out and doing everything they can with what little support they
have,” he said.

“The pressure they’re under is unsustainable, and officers are walking away from the job
because they don’t feel backed in.

“When the State Government can’t retain the people who keep us safe, it’s the community
that suffers.”

Labor promised 950 extra officers in 2020, lifting WA Police from 6,637 to a target of 7,587.
As of the 9 October, the Force is at 7,338 – 249 officers short.

“At the current rate of growth, WA Labor could still be another five years away from
delivering on its own promise.” Mr Hort said.

Shortages are being felt most severely in the regions, where the WA Police FTE has
actually gone backwards since April 2025.

“In the Kimberley, the district is short 26 officers at a time when communities like
Kununurra are dealing with serious, sustained crime,” Mr Hort said

“These towns are crying out for help, but the Government still can’t get boots on the
ground. Regional FTE isn’t just stagnant – it’s going backwards.”

Mr Hort said the Opposition will continue to fight for proper resourcing and support for
police across the State.

“This is a government that talks a big game on community safety, but the numbers don’t lie;
they are nowhere near where they need to be,” he said.

“When police are under-resourced, communities are put at risk. WA deserves better than
the staffing crisis this Government has created.”

Media contact: Hayden Tognela – 0467 044 028

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