Murder of mother and daughter 'horrific', WA premier

The murder of a Perth mother and daughter shot dead in their home by a man looking for his former partner was "chilling and horrific", the West Australian premier says.

The gunman, 63, shot the women, aged 59 and 18, on Friday at their Floreat home, where his ex-wife was believed to have been staying, before taking his own life.

Roger Cook said the shooting was "senseless" and the women were "innocent people" who had died helping a friend in need.

"This is a circumstance in which a woman has sought refuge from a friend," Mr Cook told Perth radio station 6PR on Sunday.

"As a result of that, that friend and her daughter have come to harm.

Mr Cook said the community should reflect on the deaths and "how we can all continue to make the world a safer place."

"They're innocent people ... simply doing what we'd all want someone to do when we're facing difficult circumstances," he said.

"A friend that would stand by you and provide you with a bit of comfort and safety in their home.

"By every measure, it looks senseless, chilling and absolutely horrific.

"We all stand together in absolute condemnation of this sort of violence."

Mr Cook said he would consider strengthening WA's tough gun laws, which were recently updated and in the process of passing through the state parliament.

He also more needed to be done to combat family violence.

"This is a community, society-wide issue, and we all need to stand as one to condemn family and domestic violence," he said.

Police were called to the home about 4.30pm after reports of gunshots, arriving as the last shot was fired.

Officers found two bodies and paramedics rushed the teenager to Royal Perth Hospital where she later died

The mother was a close friend of the shooter's ex-wife.

The man was known to police but did not have a history of violence.