Western Australia faces a lawsuit over its failure to protect Wittenoom residents from asbestos dangers despite knowing the risks.

The Western Australian government is being sued over its handling of the asbestos crisis in Wittenoom, a remote town where decades of mining released deadly fibers into the environment. Affected families and advocacy groups allege the government failed to warn residents, ignored safety measures, and delayed closing the town despite knowing the health risks. The lawsuit centers on whether officials breached their duty of care, as asbestos exposure continues to cause cancer and respiratory diseases among former residents and workers. The case could set a precedent for government accountability in industrial disasters.