- 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.
Comments attributed to 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."
Comments attributed to 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."
