As Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch visits the Pilbara and Basil Zempilas demands his sacking, Aboriginal families are still waiting for answers about the safety and welfare of vulnerable children.

WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch was in the Pilbara Monday meeting Aboriginal Elders and community leaders amid mounting criticism of the government's response to child protection concerns in Port Hedland.

Punch held a media doorstop at the Pilbara Development Commission in the afternoon, with further meetings with Aboriginal corporations and Elders scheduled for later in the day before he returns to Boorloo / Perth Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking to media in Perth Monday morning, the Opposition Leader promoted a parliamentary petition calling on Premier Roger Cook to remove Mr Punch from the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio.

But as the political battle intensifies, an important question remains: are Aboriginal children and families being heard, or has the crisis become another political fight over ministerial survival?

Port Hedland, a major regional centre in Western Australia's resource-rich Pilbara, has become the focus of growing concern over child protection services and support available to vulnerable Aboriginal families.

A government-owned property in the town, on Frisby Court, came under scrutiny earlier in the year following reports that up to 15 Aboriginal children had been staying there, sometimes without adult supervision and in reportedly poor conditions.

The WA Department of Communities had reportedly known about problems at the property for up to nine months, raising serious questions about why earlier intervention had not prevented the situation.

The crisis has also reignited questions about the deaths of three grandchildren of Yamatji-Wajarri woman Dorothy Papertalk, who were killed by their mother in 2022, the day after she was turned away from a women's refuge. Ms Papertalk has campaigned for an inquest into the deaths and the warnings made to child protection authorities.

In his speech in the Pilbara on Monday, Mr Punch accused Mr Zempilas of exploiting Aboriginal people for political gain.

"What is happening at the minute is a complete political campaign by the Leader of the Opposition, undermining Aboriginal people in Western Australia," he said.

"This is not about good outcomes for Aboriginal people. It's about the Leader of the Opposition trying to win a political victory, and it is appalling behaviour, and it should be called out. And I'm calling it out."

Zempilas demands resignation

Mr Zempilas said prominent Aboriginal Elder Dr Robert Isaacs AM had agreed to become principal petitioner because of his disappointment with the government's handling of the situation.

"His conduct, his responses, his reasoning, none of it has made sense," the Opposition Leader said of Mr Punch

"He should resign. He should quit. He should resign. If he doesn't resign, the Premier should sack him."

Mr Zempilas said the minister had taken 81 days to visit Port Hedland, questioning why he had only travelled to the region after weeks of criticism.

"Now he's there today. He's flying in and flying out. Is that enough? Clearly, it is not. Is it too late? Clearly, it is too late," he said.

Elders question minister's role

Nyamal Elder Linda Doogiebee previously called for Mr Punch to be removed, saying he needed to understand the responsibilities of his portfolio.

"He should have his portfolio taken off him, if he cannot understand what the role means," she said.

Kariyarra Elder Pat Mason also criticised the minister's explanation that child protection was not directly his responsibility.

"Poverty and living in squalor is part of an Aboriginal Affairs issue, so he needs to deal with it. He carries that portfolio. It's not solely about child protection," Ms Mason said.

Mr Punch has defended his role, saying Aboriginal affairs involves coordinating the government's response across portfolios, including through Closing the Gap.

"My job is to go out and listen to Aboriginal people, Aboriginal elders, talk with communities, and understand the issues that they are facing," he said.

Beyond the political fight

Mr Zempilas has also called for child protection to be reinstated as a standalone government department and said the local Department of Communities workforce is short by 10 full-time staff.

Mr Punch did not announce specific new child protection or housing measures during his Pilbara press conference.

He said he was "advocating for better outcomes in housing, health, education and child protection", and promised to return early next year for several days, with Elders determining who he meets and where he visits.

There is a legitimate debate about ministerial accountability and the structure of government departments. But those arguments should not overshadow the people at the centre of the crisis.

A petition will not provide a safe home. A ministerial resignation will not automatically fix an understaffed service. Another press conference will not solve the problems facing struggling families.

The government must explain what action is being taken, what resources are available and how Aboriginal organisations and elders will be involved.

The Opposition must also explain how its proposed reforms will deliver better outcomes.

Aboriginal communities do not need another political contest. They need to know their children are safe, their families are supported and their voices are being heard.

While politicians argue over who should keep their job, Aboriginal children cannot afford to wait for answers.