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Don Punch to stand for Bunbury

Chloerissa EadieSouth Western Times
Don Punch retired from his position as South West Development Commission CEO, and will now contest the seat of Bunbury.
Camera IconDon Punch retired from his position as South West Development Commission CEO, and will now contest the seat of Bunbury. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

Don Punch will contest the seat of Bunbury for the Labor party in the next State election because he believes it “has gone off the radar” in State Parliament.

Mr Punch wants to generate jobs in the South West and support community organisations who are struggling.

The former South West Development Commission chief executive officer said winning the seat would be tough and it was a contest of ideas between National Party candidate James Hayward and Liberal candidate Ian Morison.

Mr Punch said after two weeks of retirement he is raring to go and has “full energy to put into campaigning”.

“I am ready to make sure I’m in tune with industry and the community and I am passionate about Bunbury and the South West,” he said.

“Bunbury is the next major city after Perth and it needs to be respected, it is important to keep the momentum going from what’s already happened.”

It has traditionally been a bellwether seat that goes the way of the party who wins the election - John Castrilli bucked the trend when he was elected for the Liberals in 2005.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said Mr Punch had a good understanding of Bunbury and would be a great representative for the area.

“Bunbury will be a big focus for our election campaign and we believe there’s a mood for change of government,” he said.

“Essential services such as education, skills training, aged care, hospital services, mental health and drug rehabilitation are all big issues for Bunbury.”

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