The state prosecution has pushed to have the trial of an accused child killer brought forward.

Ronald Buckland, 70, appeared in the WA Supreme Court via video link from Casuarina Prison on Monday, charged with manslaughter over the death of 14-year-old Radina Djukich more than 27 years ago.

Police outside Star Swamp earlier this month. Credit:Brandon Barry

The state will allege Mr Buckland killed her by injecting her with a substance before burying her in a bush grave.

Her body has never been found, but the charge was laid against Mr Buckland in March 2019.