Aboriginal affairs minister denies responsibility for WA child protection crisis

Western Australia's Aboriginal affairs minister has denied responsibility for the protection of vulnerable Indigenous children in the state's Pilbara amid intensifying criticism of his performance.

Don Punch faced scathing criticism from local elders, residents and the state opposition as evidence of systemic child protection failings across Port Hedland and the wider Pilbara emerged over recent months.

Rejecting any suggestion he would quit cabinet or his Bunbury electorate, Mr Punch confirmed he would visit South Hedland, something he had previously ruled out without an explicit invitation from local elders.

But the veteran Labor MP denied any direct responsibility for the unfolding child welfare crisis.

"The Aboriginal affairs portfolio does not have a direct responsibility for housing or health or child protection," Mr Punch said.

"Aboriginal affairs is a collective responsibility across government, across the cabinet.

"It doesn't mean to say that every time there is a matter that the police have or the child protection minister has, or the health minister has that concerns Aboriginal people, I am necessarily involved."

Mr Punch pointed to Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski's several visits, insisting she had taken positive action.

Elders reject minister's delays

Nyamal and Pitjikarli elder Doris Eaton said she did not accept Mr Punch's rationale for staying away.

"All the ministers came on board because of concern of the town and the kids running wild," she said.

Kariyarra elder Pat Mason echoed the disappointment.

"I think that Donald Punch should actually visit and deal with the Aboriginal issues that's at hand with the children, because they are in his portfolio," she said.

"If it's around his portfolio, around Aboriginal affairs, well, it's an Aboriginal affairs issue."

Mrs Eaton said she would welcome Mr Punch to town.

"After all, he's our minister."

Opposition demands dismissal

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas yesterday reiterated his call for Mr Punch to be sacked.

"The premier should instantly dismiss Don Punch from the portfolio as Aboriginal affairs minister, he is clearly no longer fit to be the minister for Aboriginal affairs," Mr Zempilas said.

Mr Punch accused the opposition of using a sensitive issue for politically opportunistic purposes.

"It is about Basil Zempilas trying to win the next election and trying to get an easy target for a person to resign," he said.

"I'm not going to resign, and I'll deal with Basil Zempilas in the parliament on the misinformation that he's putting out."

Mr Punch said he had support from both WA Premier Roger Cook and the broader Aboriginal community in his position as Aboriginal affairs minister.

"I'm doing the work that I've been tasked to do."