News Articles for Don Punch

The WA Government has ordered a multimillion offshore patrol vessel capable of combatting drug runners and illegal fishing off the North West coast.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch has poured cold water on a rethink of demersal fishing limits, claiming they are necessary to avoid complete collapse of the fishery.

The state government has stepped in to fund a research program to futureproof WA's scallop industry in the face of mounting difficulties caused by climate change.

The state government has moved on progressing its proposed Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub in the South West after engaging Deloitte to undertake a feasibility study.

Tassal Group has acquired barramundi farm operator Marine Produce Australia's group of companies that has been in administration since May.

The state government has confirmed $4.5 million restoration works will go ahead on Carnarvon's One Mile Jetty, almost six years after its closure to the public.

Talison Lithium will lead a study into reopening the Greenbushes rail line in a move that would take trucks off the South West Highway but may create new disruption for motorists.

The final stage of Bunbury's major waterfront redevelopment project has progressed after the state government awarded three contracts to local businesses.

The state government has eased the controversial demersal fishing ban for charter businesses operating in the West Coast region, but only if they eat their catches on-board.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch has been taken to court over management measures introduced by the state government stipulating new rules for recreational, charter and commercial fishers.

Kimberley Cotton Company has approved construction of WA's first cotton processing gin despite needing to raise extra funds to cover a large cost blowout.

The Community Arts Network, Theatre Kimberley and Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation are among the recipients of the state government's $900,000 regional arts funding.

A $10.4 million waste management plant in Collie has been completed, providing a bioenergy solution to waste and landfill overflow.

WA-based disability employment provider Workpower has agreed to take over Activ Foundation's large-scale worksites, securing employment for 600 people with disability.

Western Australia's state-of-the-art agrifood and beverage precinct, tipped to deliver up to $330 million into the economy, has officially opened.

Today's cabinet makeover includes big jobs for new ministers, significant shifts for senior government figures but, notably, no changes to the premier's substantial workload.

ANALYSIS: Factional interests, ambitious backbenchers and demographic representation loom as key considerations for the premier as he mulls over who to promote to cabinet this month.

The state government has provided an initial round of funding for six disability enterprises to help them take on employees from Activ Foundation.

A new platform to link people with disability to mainstream employment opportunities launched today as a solution to the state's skills shortages.

The state government has awarded KPMG a $500,000 contract to investigate a faster rail service between Perth and Bunbury.

Western Australia's largest charity is undergoing a major restructure with the closure of seven large-scale industrial work sites, affecting more than 700 supported employees.

A disability workforce retention fund and a campaign to attract workers are among the seven initiatives awarded funding to grow the sector's labour force.

ANALYSIS: Aboriginal leader Kado Muir has publicly asked a question many people are asking privately: why did premier Mark McGowan make so many changes in Friday's ministerial reshuffle?

Premier Mark McGowan has announced a major cabinet reshuffle this morning, with Amber-Jade Sanderson set to replace Roger Cook as Health Minister.

A new Office of Disability will bridge the gap between the NDIS and providers and participants in WA.

More back of boat western rock lobster will be available this December after the state government agreed to double the amount commercial fishers can sell from their landings.

Work has begun at a 51-hectare site in Neerabup earmarked for an automation and robotic testing precinct, a project supported by the state government and mining research body AMIRA Global.

What role will unions and factions play in Mark McGowan's second term?

ANALYSIS: The dumping of Peter Tinley from the ministry was one topic premier Mark McGowan struggled to explain adequately today.

The Nationals will hold just four seats in the lower house after former party leader Terry Redman lost the South West seat he's held since 2013 this morning.

There are still three seats in doubt in the Legislative Assembly as the vote count continues this afternoon, with Nationals MP Terry Redman and Liberal Sean L'Estrange at risk of losing their seats.

Labor's left faction is set to dominate cabinet appointments as key figures from the party's right flank are shifted out of the ministry.

The second McGowan government is set for big changes, with two of the premier's three closest advisers resigning and minister Peter Tinley believed to have been demoted.

For very different reasons, both major political parties in WA have some tough calls to make.

At least six Labor Party MPs are in contention for promotion to fill Cabinet vacancies if the McGowan Government is returned at the State election in March.

OPINION: State Labor's hold on several regional seats could be in jeopardy with the impending retirement of some stalwarts and tough electoral fights for others.

South West Development Commission chief executive officer, Don Punch, has announced his retirement.Mr Punch will be departing on July 1, 2016, after nearly 18 years with SWDC.

SPECIAL REPORT: Economic diversity is just one of the region's attractions.