Gilmore College Faces Crisis: Neglect, Asbestos Exposed

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 0:12 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Gilmore College Crisis: Neglect, Asbestos, and Funding Debates Plague Premier Cook's Electorate

A damning independent review has laid bare the deteriorating condition of Gilmore College, a public school situated within the electorate of Western Australian Premier Roger Cook. The report, released last week, details significant infrastructure failings, raising serious concerns about student and staff safety and sparking a renewed debate surrounding school funding and resource allocation across the state.

The review paints a stark picture of a school grappling with decades of neglect. Beyond cosmetic issues, the report identifies critical problems including the presence of asbestos in several buildings, a severe shortage of specialized learning spaces, and widespread disrepair affecting core infrastructure. These aren't merely aesthetic concerns; they represent genuine hazards to the health and wellbeing of the school community.

One anonymous parent described the findings as "alarming," stating, "It's clear that the college has been neglected for far too long. My child deserves a safe, modern learning environment, and frankly, Gilmore College isn't providing that right now." This sentiment is echoed by staff members, who fear the school's decline is impacting the quality of education they can provide. The lack of dedicated spaces for subjects like science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) severely limits the school's ability to deliver a 21st-century curriculum.

The report specifically notes that numerous classrooms are unfit for purpose, lacking basic amenities and proper ventilation. Outdated technology and a general lack of maintenance have further compounded the issues. This situation isn't isolated; many regional and older schools throughout WA are facing similar struggles, but the location of Gilmore College within the Premier's own electorate has amplified scrutiny and raised difficult questions.

Opposition education spokesman, Peter Colley, seized on the report's findings, stating, "We need to invest in our schools to ensure that our children have the best possible learning environment. This report is a wake-up call for the government. Years of underfunding have led to this crisis, and it's the students who are suffering." Colley is advocating for a complete overhaul of the school's infrastructure, including asbestos removal, construction of new specialist classrooms, and a comprehensive upgrade of existing facilities.

The State Government has acknowledged the issues raised in the review and has indicated it will consider the recommendations. However, this response has been met with skepticism from parents and staff who fear a piecemeal approach will not address the root causes of the problem. "We need a comprehensive plan to address the college's decline," a staff member emphasized. "Simply throwing some money at the problem is not going to solve it. We need a long-term strategy, transparent budgeting, and a commitment to ongoing maintenance."

The report has reignited the long-standing debate surrounding school funding distribution in Western Australia. Critics argue that funding formulas disproportionately favor private schools, leaving public schools like Gilmore College under-resourced. There's a growing call for a fairer system that prioritizes equity and ensures all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to quality education.

The fact that Gilmore College is located within Premier Cook's electorate is adding further pressure. Political analysts suggest the Premier's silence on the matter is a calculated risk, potentially avoiding direct admission of systemic failures within his own district. A spokesperson for the Premier stated the government remains "committed to ensuring that all schools in Western Australia are safe and well-equipped," but stopped short of providing specific details on planned investment for Gilmore College.

Community groups are now organizing meetings and petitions, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government. They are calling for a public forum where parents, staff, and government officials can discuss the issues and develop a concrete plan for the future of Gilmore College. The situation at Gilmore College serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing public education in Western Australia - challenges that demand immediate attention and a sustained commitment to investment and reform. Failure to address these issues will not only impact the students of Gilmore College but also undermine the future of education in the state.