Western Australia public school lockdowns more than double
Public school lockdowns in Western Australia have more than doubled over an eight-year period. Data shows that 1,327 lockdowns were reported in 2025, compared to 578 in 2017.
Of these incidents, 1,103 were attributed to threats of violence in 2025, a significant increase from the 484 violence-related lockdowns recorded in 2017. Planning and Lands Minister John Carey noted that while violence is a major factor, lockdowns are also used as a precautionary measure for medical hazards or other situations requiring emergency services.
In response to safety concerns, the state government has increased face-to-face training through the Department of Education and has granted school principals expanded powers to immediately suspend or exclude students who pose a threat of violence.
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- [● 4 SOURCES] The number of public school lockdowns in Western Australia increased from 578 in 2017 to 1,327 in 2025. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lockdowns resulting from threats of violence rose from 484 in 2017 to 1,103 in 2025. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] The state government has granted principals the power to immediately suspend or exclude students in response to violence risks. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lockdowns are not exclusively caused by violence and can be triggered by medical hazards or other incidents requiring emergency services. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au