- Regional Policing Incentive Program to support regional recruits
- Election commitment funded in 2025-26 State Budget and includes free accommodation for regional recruits during training in Perth
- Program to offer regional placements close to home for up to six years
The Cook Government is delivering on a major election commitment with $15.6 million to be invested as part of the 2025-26 State Budget in redeveloping accommodation at the WA Police Academy to support more regional Western Australians to join the force.
When refurbished next year, the free housing will be available exclusively to regional police recruits while they complete their six-month training in Perth, reducing both the financial and logistical burden of relocating temporarily.
Where possible, the accommodation may also be made available to regional officers who need to attend court or other duties in the Perth metro area.
In a WA-first, regional recruits will also get the option to be placed in their home policing districts for the first four to six years of their careers.
For example, recruits from Kalgoorlie can apply to be stationed in the Goldfields District, offering greater certainty and community connection.
These new initiatives will complement existing regional policing benefits such as one-off incentive payments, subsidised housing, travel allowances, and specialised training opportunities.
On average up to 10 per cent of recruits undergoing training at the WA Police Academy are from regional WA.
The contract for the redevelopment is set to be awarded early next year.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Western Australia is a safer place today thanks to the reforms my government has introduced, and we'll continue to keep WA safe - by reforming youth bail laws, introducing post and boast laws and enforcing our landmark firearms legislation.
"Police officers play a vital role in serving and protecting WA communities, and it's only fair we provide regional officers with extra support to help them work closer to where they live.
"This announcement is about encouraging regional people to join the frontline and protect their communities.
"By supporting regional police officers through their training, we will help keep communities across the length and breadth of our State safe for decades to come."
As stated by Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"We have more police officers on the beat than ever before, and we want to make it easier for those who live in the regions to join the force.
"Our incentive scheme means regional recruits will not only have access to free accommodation, but the option to work in their home police district close to loved ones.
"For our Police Officers, having the support of family, friends, and a strong community network is essential for wellbeing and a long and rewarding career."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is focused on keeping communities safe right across WA - including for the people of Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields.
"This program, supported by the redevelopment of the WA Police Academy's on-site accommodation, will ensure regional Western Australians who join the force can play a part in looking after the communities they call home."
