Ombudsman's report reignites calls for Hawke children inquest

New information released by the state ombudsman on the investigation into the deaths of three children in the Pilbara has sparked renewed calls for a coronial inquest. The children, aged 10, seven, and four months old, were murdered by their mother Margaret Hawke in South Hedland in 2022.

The ombudsman's report, led by Bevan Warner, examined extensive evidence, including police body-worn camera video and over 1,700 pages of key agency records. The review looked at police reports from 17 emergency calls and six family violence incidents.

Premier Roger Cook said the new information could be an opening for a coronial inquest, but stopped short of calling for one. "I don't know if it was part of the evidence that the coroner considered, but if it wasn't, that again provides the opportunity for further consideration," he said.

"If there is fresh evidence — and that would appear to me that that is the case — well then that is an opportunity for the attorney-general to speak with the coroner."

The attorney-general, Tony Buti, has previously stated that he needs fresh evidence to consider ordering an inquest. In response to the ombudsman's report, Mr Buti said: "If new evidence is provided to me about this case that wasn't considered by former Coroner Urquhart, I will be able to consider exercising my power to order an inquest."

The children's grandmother, Dorothy Papertalk, had previously called for an inquest, which was denied by then Coroner Phil Urquhart in 2025. The WA Liberals leader, Basil Zempilas, questioned why the premier and attorney-general had not called an inquest in light of the ombudsman's statement.

"I don't think anybody is satisfied with any of the explanations or any of the reasons that the premier or attorney-general have given for why an inquest has not been called," Mr Zempilas said.

In a separate development, the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter, has announced the terms of reference for a review into child protection in the Pilbara. The review will examine how agencies responded to children and families, and what actions can be taken to improve those responses.

Ms Hunter said: "Governments must be held accountable for delivering material improvements in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, not simply the level of activity they report."

"The focus is the Pilbara, but the review will address a question that matters nationally: how government agencies turn their separate responsibilities into a coordinated response for children and families."