PETITION LAUNCHED CALLING FOR MINISTER DON PUNCH DISMISSAL
Media Release | 9 November 2026
Basil Zempilas
Leader of the Opposition; State Development; Trade and Investment; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests
A petition calling on Premier Roger Cook to remove Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch from Cabinet over his failed handling of the South Hedland child protection crisis.
Respected Aboriginal elder Dr Robert Isaacs AM is the principal petitioner for the petition lodged today in the Legislative Assembly. This follows weeks of controversy surrounding the Minister’s response to the crisis involving vulnerable Aboriginal children in the Pilbara.
Mr Zempilas said serious questions remained about the Minister’s response, including the time taken to visit South Hedland after repeated calls for a coronial inquest into the tragic murders of the Hawke children first emerged. This was followed by further disturbing allegations about the welfare of children at Frisby Court, South Hedland.
“For 81 days, this crisis has played out on the national stage, with Aboriginal elders and families crying out for help, yet the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs has taken until today to visit South Hedland in response,” Mr Zempilas said.
“I went to South Hedland, visited Frisby Court, spoke to the elders and witnessed firsthand a community desperate for leadership and answers.
“Don Punch has missed two of the four parliamentary sitting weeks since this crisis erupted. He has also been absent from one-in-five Question Times in the past 12 months.
“Ministers have a responsibility to turn up to Parliament, face scrutiny and answer questions. Mr Punch’s attendance record and his handling of this crisis have raised serious questions about his priorities.”
Dr Isaacs is one of Western Australia’s most respected Aboriginal leaders and a lifelong advocate for Aboriginal health, housing, education and justice. A former Western Australian of the Year and national NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year, he has dedicated more than five decades to improving outcomes for Aboriginal Australians.
“The way this Minister has handled the issues in South Hedland is unacceptable,” Dr Isaacs said.
“He has failed to take any responsibility for a crisis playing out on his watch. Minister Punch should be replaced as Aboriginal Affairs Minister immediately. He has let down the people of Hedland.”
Mr Zempilas said the petition provided an opportunity for West Australians to express their concerns directly to the Premier.
“Don Punch has lost the community’s confidence as Aboriginal Affairs Minister, and I believe Roger Cook should now dismiss him,” he said.
“This crisis demands leadership, accountability and action - that is what Aboriginal families and communities deserve.”
The petition is now available here for West Australians to sign.
Media Contact: Graham Mason – 0419 194 792
