INTERNAL REVIEW IS NOT ENOUGH: OPPOSITION CALLS FOR CORONIAL INQUEST

The Cook Labor Government must immediately initiate a Coronial Inquest into the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of eight-month-old Willow at Kalgoorlie Health Campus in September 2025.

Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said it was no longer enough for the Health Minister Meredith Hammat and Attorney General Tony Buti to simply say they would like a Coronial Inquest to occur.

"Only a Coronial Inquest can independently examine what happened, hear evidence under oath and provide Willow's family with the answers they deserve,” she said.

“Unlike a SAC1 investigation, a Coronial Inquest is independent of government and has the power to compel witnesses and thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding Willow's tragic death

.“Premier Roger Cook, the Health Minister and the Attorney General should all be on the same page.“

The Attorney General has the ability to initiate a Coronial Inquest. If the Health Minister is not asking him to do this, if the Premier isn’t insisting on one and if the Attorney General refuses to act, they are all collectively failing Willow’s parents, Kaydence and William.

“Kaydence and William have already been let down by the health system. They have endured the unimaginable loss of their child and, ever since, have been left waiting for answers instead of receiving the transparency, accountability and support they deserve.

“My thoughts remain with them, and I hope every possible support is being provided as they continue to navigate this heartbreaking ordeal.

”Ms Mettam said the latest revelations were deeply disturbing. The SAC1 investigation identified repeated failures in Willow's care, including concerns about the escalation of her deteriorating condition, delays in aeromedical retrieval, failures to recognise critical diagnostic red flags and deficiencies in clinical decision making.

The reports of a staff “party” being organised just two days after Willow died also raises serious questions about culture within the Kalgoorlie Health Campus.

"What an appalling lack of judgement,” Ms Mettam said.

"It points to broader cultural issues at this health campus that deserve independent scrutiny alongside the clinical failures identified in the SAC1 investigation.

"Ms Mettam said Kaydence and William had endured the same failures experienced by too many families under the Cook Labor Government.

"Another grieving family. Another SAC1 investigation that was not completed within the expected timeframe. Another family left waiting for answers. And another case where important recommendations remain outstanding," she said.

"As with the tragic death of Hailee Hildebrandt, another family also waiting for answers, we are witnessing another case of, no transparency, no accountability and no compassion."The SAC1 investigation identified aeromedical retrieval as the most significant system constraint in the lead-up to Willow's death.

Last year the Cook Labor Government announced more than $800 million over ten years to modernise WA's aeromedical system, promising to put patient care first.

"Western Australians were promised a modern aeromedical retrieval system, yet the SAC1 investigation identifies retrieval delays as one of the most significant factors requiring improvement,” Ms Mettam said.

"Announcements and media releases are meaningless if they are not translating into better patient outcomes.

"Ms Mettam said there were also significant questions about culture at Kalgoorlie Health Campus, issues that appear to have been known within the health service for some time.

"These matters deserve independent examination, Willow's family deserves answers,” she said.

"The Government should stop hoping a Coronial Inquest happens and start demanding one."

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