Barnett wants quick report for dead woman

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett will speak with the attorney-general to make sure a coronial report for a 22-year-old woman who died in custody is completed as soon as possible.

Julieka Dhu died on August 4 after being held at the South Hedland Police Station.

It is understood she was in custody because she owed about $1000 in unpaid fines.

Police said at the time that after complaining of feeling ill, she was taken to hospital three times and died on the final visit.

Mr Barnett said it was a "very tragic situation" and he was keen to see a coronial report completed as soon as possible.

"The cause of death, I understand, was a heart attack. What led to that I think we need to know," he told ABC radio on Thursday.

The premier said he would speak with Attorney-General Michael Mischin about the matter as soon as possible, but said he would not interfere with the coronial process, which should be independent.

"I want to see this resolved quickly. I think a lot of people are jumping to conclusions, which may not be true," he said.

A police spokeswoman told AAP that inquiries were continuing and it was envisaged the completed file would be forwarded to the coroner by the end of the month.

The Health Department was also looking at what happened when Ms Dhu was treated at the Hedland Health Campus, Mr Barnett said.