WA Police raid disability-supported home in Belmont, prompting calls for compensation

On Thursday, WA Police executed a drug-search warrant at a Belmont property that houses three women with psychosocial disabilities and two support workers. Eight officers, including members of the Tactical Response Group, smashed the front door, shouted “Police! Search Warrant!” and pointed firearms at the occupants, handcuffing the two workers and ordering everyone to the ground.

The search extended to an adjoining house where officers recovered methamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and firearms, arresting two men. Ilora Group’s Tyler Burness, which runs the supported independent living home, criticised the police for not identifying the NDIS-supported status, said the residents suffered lasting anxiety, and announced plans to seek compensation and possibly lodge a complaint with the Corruption and Crime Commission. The incident has raised concerns about police procedures in vulnerable settings and the adequacy of support for disabled residents.