The Latest Breaking News from Simone McGurk

As support grows for a forced adoption inquiry in WA, there's hope for positive change nationwide

Danae has been on a painful journey to trace her true identity. She's calling on state governments across the country to ensure others are told the truth and offered support to deal with the trauma.

ABC News · Feb 21, 2023

McGowan retains treasury in new WA cabinet

Western Australia's premier has appointed new child protection and education ministers in a cabinet reshuffle midway through Labor's second term.

AAP · Dec 14, 2022

Simone McGurk loses child protection, domestic violence portfolios in Mark McGowan's cabinet reshuffle

Simone McGurk, who was also the long serving minister for women's interests and community services was one of the biggest losers in the McGowan government political shake-up.

ABC News · Dec 14, 2022

WA lifts state care age limit from 18 to 21 following successful trial

Shell Jacovic, who spent most of her childhood in state care, describes the process of being cut off from care when she turned 18 as scary and daunting.

ABC News · Aug 7, 2022

Simone McGurk wants decades old WA abortion laws 'brought up to scratch'

WA Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk makes some of her strongest comments on abortion reform to date, declaring some of the responsibility rests with the federal government to make the services available and affordable for Australian women.

ABC News · Jul 22, 2022

Push for WA inquiry into forced adoptions to address 'dehumanising' toll on survivors

Women who were pressured to give up their babies for adoption and people "stolen" from their mothers speak out and unite to call for a WA inquiry into the practice, which tore apart tens of thousands of Australian families.

ABC News · Jul 13, 2022

Domestic violence funding lacking despite $5.7 billion surplus in WA budget, women's group says

The Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing in WA says the sector is still suffering from "chronic underfunding", as the housing crisis makes it harder to help domestic and family violence victims.

ABC News · May 17, 2022

Kimberley on-country residential facility for at-risk youth, package to combat crime, proposed by McGowan government

The Western Australian government will build a dedicated residential facility to house at-risk youth on country in the Kimberley as part of its latest attempt to tackle the region's youth crime crisis.

ABC News · May 3, 2022

Troubled WA rehab centre in administration

The Esther Foundation women's rehabilitation centre in Western Australia has called in administrators amid claims former residents were abused and mistreated.

AAP · Apr 21, 2022

Former Esther Foundation residents claim they faced mistreatment and abuse as facility enters voluntary administration

More than 20 women have come forward with allegations about their time at the Esther Foundation rehab facility, sparking questions about whether federal and state governments did enough to vet the organisation before investing millions of dollars in it.

ABC News · Apr 20, 2022