WA Police Commissioner Advocates for Transparency in CVE Program Evaluation
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has expressed his willingness to release a comprehensive evaluation of the state's countering violent extremism (CVE) program, but only after a forthcoming coronial inquest. This stance marks a shift from previous police positions, following the fatal shooting of a radicalised teenager in a 2024 terror incident.
Report Withheld Pending Inquest and Family Sensitivity
The full report, completed by consultancy firm ACIL Allen in 2025, has been kept confidential out of respect for the family of the 16-year-old boy, known as James, who was killed by police after stabbing a stranger in a Willetton carpark. Commissioner Blanch emphasized that the decision to withhold the document is temporary, aimed at avoiding interference with legal proceedings and showing sensitivity to those affected.
"I don't have any issue with releasing it or not, in fact, it's more about what's going on in the background at the moment," Blanch stated in an interview with ABC radio. He highlighted that the report references the Willetton case, making its premature release inappropriate before the coronial inquest scheduled for May.
Summary Findings and Program Effectiveness
Summary findings from the evaluation, obtained by The West Australian, indicate that WA's CVE strategy aligns with "effective practice" in disengaging individuals from violent extremism. However, the secrecy surrounding the full report has sparked public debate about the program's efficacy, especially since the teenager had been voluntarily enrolled for two years prior to the attack.
Detective Superintendent Ricky Chadwick defended the efforts made to de-radicalise the boy, noting that significant resources were dedicated to his case. "Our interest has always been the safety of the client and the broader public, and if we can do things better, 100 percent, I want to hear it," Chadwick remarked, while acknowledging the constraints of the ongoing inquest.
Stakeholder Consultation and Future Release
Commissioner Blanch clarified that releasing the report post-inquest would require consultation with multiple stakeholders, including the Federal Government and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, which funds the CVE program through Commonwealth sources. He stressed that the appropriate timing for disclosure is after the coronial process concludes, ensuring all parties are considered.
The evaluation has also been shared with Police Minister Reece Whitby and the WA Education Department, underscoring its broad relevance. ACIL Allen previously assessed a similar program in New South Wales, which was eventually made public and identified deficiencies, suggesting potential insights for WA's approach.
This development highlights ongoing challenges in balancing transparency with legal and ethical considerations in counter-terrorism efforts, as authorities navigate public accountability and sensitive family matters.
