Western Australia

The dispute concerning Virginia Giuffres estate commenced at the WA Supreme Court on Friday. Giuffre died by suicide at her Perth farm in April at age 41. She was awarded an estimated $22 million settlement from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in a case involving allegations of underage sexual misconduct. Her two sons are contesting the estate against former barrister Karrie Louden and housekeeper Cheryl Myers. Louden and Myers filed a counterclaim naming the sons as defendants. Giuffre’s memoir, published posthumously describes exploitation, by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She was allegedly trafficked to wealthy influential people worldwide. 

The City of Perth’s acting CEO Peta Mabbs stepped down after releasing a report that labeled Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds $125,000 workplace culture assessment as unlawful. Reynolds informed councillors of the review plan six minutes prior. Mabbs noted no workplace concerns surfaced during the August CEO performance evaluation. She disclosed that 10 complaints were filed in 2025 regarding elected officials’ conduct, not employees. Reynolds justified the review as a health check. The motion was approved at the November 18 meeting, without any debate. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley raised concerns. Might take action. Issue to be discussed at Tuesday councillor briefing.

Joondalup city councillor Nige Jones stepped down due to reasons following a claim for a beer purchased at an Adelaide strip club on work expenses. Jones stated he unintentionally entered Crazy Horse Revue August during a city-funded visit and promptly exited upon realizing the venue. The council determined he violated conduct rules. He took an ethics course. Submitted a reflection. Jones was also scrutinized over exaggerating service, in election materials. WA Premier Roger Cook condemned it as an use of ratepayer money. Resignation takes effect February next year. 

The federal government abandoned proposals to lower default speed limits on roads following opposition from state and territory ministers against a one-size-fits-all strategy. The trucking sector in Western Australia praised the move emphasizing that speed limits by themselves won’t resolve issues with driver behavior. Public feedback included 11,000 submissions. Road safety specialists described it as a chance highlighting that accidents, at reduced speeds result in significantly higher survival chances. WA has experienced 171 road fatalities this year. Federal MP Melissa Price condemned the government for considering the proposal. Discussion has persisted since 2018, across administrations.

A court in West Australia has jailed 26-year-old Matthew Lawson for 14 years for the attempted murder of a colleague, 31-year-old Trae Black, in a “ferocious” highway attack. At the time of the attack, Lawson was in a state of drug-induced psychosis. He knocked Black down with his car and repeatedly hit him with a claw hammer, resulting in the loss of a leg. Black’s life was saved because people around him acted quickly. Lawson will be eligible for parole in 2036.