Calls for an inquest into the unsolved murder of an 11-year-old boy in Perth almost 20 years ago have been supported by the state opposition, but the coroner will decide if it is necessary.
Gerard Ross disappeared while walking along the Rockingham foreshore in October 1997 and his body was found dumped in a pine plantation two weeks later.
The father of 13-year-old murder victim Daniel Morcombe has reportedly appealed to the West Australian coroner for an inquest into Gerard's death, which has similarities to Daniel's case.
In a letter to Coroner Ros Fogliani, Bruce Morcombe urges her to probe Gerard's death and the adequacy of the police investigation, The Sunday Times newspaper reports.
"An inquest proved crucial in providing a breakthrough and the eventual recovery of Daniel's remains and I believe an inquest could prove similarly invaluable in revealing the truth in Gerard's case," Mr Morcombe wrote.
Labor leader Mark McGowan has thrown his support behind an inquest, describing Gerard's case as "one of the great" unsolved murders - like the Claremont serial killer case - and one of the most tragic.
Mr McGowan said he recalled being in his first year at parliament when Gerard was killed.
"He was picked up by whoever killed him 500 metres from where I now live," Mr McGowan told reporters on Sunday.
"I think for anyone who lives in Rockingham, for anyone who lives in proximity to where he died, you want to get to the bottom of it because you just have a fear that whoever did it is still out there so finding out who did it is very important."
A spokeswoman for Attorney General Michael Mischin told AAP it was up to the coroner to decide if there was "any value" in an inquest.
"The state coroner is not an investigator, but determines the cause of death," she said.
In a statement, WA Police said Gerard's murder remained an open case with the Special Crime Squad, but they could not comment on "current lines of inquiry".
"Detectives are utilising the latest advancements in forensic science and modern investigative techniques to try and identify the offender, or offenders, and to provide some answers for the Ross family," police said.
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