Western Australia’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch faces mounting criticism from Indigenous leaders amid concerns over his handling of the state’s ongoing child protection crisis, particularly in the Pilbara region. Despite calls from community figures like Pilbara elder Pat Mason for his resignation, Punch appears likely to retain his cabinet position due to factional dynamics and political considerations within the state Labor government.

Multiple party insiders suggest that Premier Roger Cook is unlikely to remove Punch from the ministry in the near term, despite perceived shortcomings in his response to the crisis. One significant factor is the risk that a ministerial reshuffle would provoke a by-election in Punch’s seat of Bunbury, a key regional electorate where Labor’s hold is considered vulnerable. Bunbury presents a favorable environment for opposition party One Nation, which garnered 6 percent of first-preference votes in last year’s state election and has indicated ambitions to capitalize should a by-election be triggered.

Another element preserving Punch’s position is his backing from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), also known as the Metalworkers union, which played a decisive role in Premier Cook’s rise to leadership following Mark McGowan’s departure in 2023. Sources say Cook remains bound by this alliance, complicating efforts to remove Punch. Potential cabinet replacements aligned with the AMWU include Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna and David Scaife, both considered contenders for promotion if a portfolio change occurs.

Concerns about Punch’s future intensified after he declined to visit Port Hedland in the Pilbara despite mounting reports of child welfare failures there. Punch defended his inaction by stating he awaited an invitation from the Indigenous community before visiting. This rationale drew sharp rebuke from Mason, who described it as a “politicide excuse” and criticized Punch for his absence during a critical period. Mason called on Premier Cook to remove Punch, characterizing him as ineffective and insufficiently committed. Meanwhile, other government officials, including the Premier and ministers at both state and federal levels, have recently visited Port Hedland as part of their child protection efforts.

The situation in Aboriginal Affairs comes amid increasing unease within the Labor Party over broader child protection challenges and Premier Cook’s leadership. Cook, 61, Australia’s oldest serving premier, is approaching a decade in high office and has faced internal speculation about his political future, although he has affirmed his intention to lead the party into the next election. A previous cabinet reshuffle this year followed the retirement of Paul Papalia and a difficult by-election in Secret Harbour, which Labor lost.

As Cook currently undertakes a trade mission to China, the uncertain political landscape surrounding Punch and the Indigenous child welfare crisis remains unresolved, with pressure mounting on the government to demonstrate effective action.