Hon Don Punch BPsych BSocwk MBA MLA

For Hon Don Punch BPsych BSocwk MBA MLA

Hon Don Punch MLA is the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West and has been a member of the Legislative Assembly since 2017, representing the seat of Bunbury.

Don’s first experience with regional Western Australia was after migrating to Australia from Manchester in 1971, attending high school in Western Australia’s South West in Manjimup and Collie.

Prior to entering politics, Don studied psychology and social work at the University of Western Australia and later completed an MBA at Edith Cowan University.

He also holds a Master 5 Mariners Certificate and private pilot’s licence and has worked throughout regional Western Australia as a social worker and as a Senior Executive in the public sector.

Following his undergraduate studies, it wasn’t long before returning to his roots in regional WA, working throughout the State as a social worker and as a Senior Executive in the public sector.

In 1998, Don became CEO of the South West Development and assumed responsibility for many aspects of the region’s social and economic development.

During his more than 20 years working in the region, he oversaw projects including the renewal of the Manjimup town centre with an emphasis on food-based tourism, the rejuvenation of the Bunbury waterfront and the redevelopment of Busselton airport.

He continued in this role until resigning to contest the seat of Bunbury for WA Labor in 2016.

After being elected in 2017, Don was appointed to the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee.

In 2021, Don joined the Cabinet team and held the Regional Development, Disability Services, Fisheries, Seniors and Ageing, and Volunteering portfolios.

His passion for blending social and economic development will continue to guide his Ministerial vision for the South West region.