Perth magistrates shortage delays trials

There are no trial dates left in the Perth Magistrates Court listings this year because of a shortage of magistrates, a court has heard.

Magistrate Michael Wheeler said on Monday that magistrates were also unable to allocate trials for next year because they didn't know how many resources would be available.

Mr Wheeler said he had been told the shortage of trial dates was caused by Attorney-General Michael Mischin not replacing retiring magistrates.

"They keep not replacing people and there's a price to pay," he said.

Mr Mischin said a decision had not been made.

He said his department was preparing a business case for his consideration in readiness for any retirements this year.