$500,000 reward to help solve missing persons cases

The WA State Government will pay up to $500,000 for any information that solves long-term missing persons cases.

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.

“Families of missing people not only have to live with incredible trauma and loss but with the ‘not knowing’,” Police Minister Paul Papalia said.

“Our Government and the WA Police Force is committed to helping find answers for loved ones of long-term missing people.”

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.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said new reward reflects the Western Australian Government’s commitment to finding missing people.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said she could’t begin to imagine how these families felt, 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,” she said.

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 next month. WA Police will also launch a dedicated website.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.