So many posters absolutely sure their opinion is correct and the Captain's was wrong. Interesting.
I know of two major airlines, not LCC, that virtually never use Learmonth as an alternate for Perth- they use Adelaide or Melbourne unless absolutely necessary. They've made the decision that it's not a place they want their A/C going unless it's absolutely necessary. Qantas would almost always use Learmonth. Who's right? Are the others wrong?
'Nearest Suitable' is a subjective term, no doubt that's intentional. Someone posted what Boeing says about it and, in my opinion, the Captain here made a reasonable decision.This Captain decided Perth was the best option. You might have made a different decision, I might have made a different decision, doesn't mean he's wrong. As evidenced by the different opinions here, it's not as straightforward as too many are making it out to be.