Don Punch — Former Fisheries Minister
At a glance
| Tracker status | Previous — Fisheries minister 19 Mar 2021 – 19 Mar 2025 |
| Export role | Sole WA fisheries voice through entire China lobster ban and Oct 2024 resumption quotes with Cook |
| Electorate | Bunbury (South West) — MLA since 2017 |
| Current (2026) | Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West |
| Successor | Jackie Jarvis (Fisheries) |
Quick facts
- Party / faction: ALP / Right (WA)
- Background: BPsych, BSocWk, MBA; Family & Children’s Services; CEO South West Development Commission 1996–2016
- Fisheries tenure: McGowan and Cook premierships; full ban period + resumption announcement
Export & agriculture role (tracker)
| Issue | Role | Verified | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast rock lobster | TACC changes; charter tourism Oct 2024 | Jun 2024 south-coast TACC | WA lobster |
| China resumption | Media statement 10 Oct 2024 with Cook | WA Gov + ABC | Verified |
| Live meat | Not primary portfolio | — | WA meat |
Portfolio & career
| Period | Position |
|---|---|
| 2025– | Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West |
| 2021–2025 | Fisheries (+ other portfolios reshuffled) |
| 2017– | MLA Bunbury |
Allies & rivals
Chronology (export-related)
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-10 | Welcomes China lobster resumption | Verified |
| 2024-06-07 | South Coast Crustacean TACC increases | Verified |
| 2021-03-19 | Appointed Fisheries minister | Verified |
| 2025-03-19 | Left Fisheries | Jarvis succeeded |
Interests register
- WA Parliament — guide