About Curtin

Cottesloe Beach

Curtin, situated in the city of Perth in Western Australia's southwest, is a Federal electorate. It is the traditional land of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

The Australian Electoral Commission named the electorate after John Curtin, Australia's 14th Prime Minister, who played a critical role in Australia's war effort during WWII.

He strengthened Australia's ties with the United States and made tough decisions to ensure the country's security, such as redirecting Australian troops from the Middle East to defend the nation from the threat of Japanese invasion.

Curtin's leadership was marked by his determination to protect Australia and its interests, and he is remembered as one of the country's most influential and respected prime ministers.

The Curtin electorate stretches over 96 square kilometers in Perth's western suburbs and coastal areas (see map below). The electorate is defined by its stunning beaches, parks, and diverse landscapes.

It includes local government areas such as the City of Nedlands, the Town of Claremont, the Town of Cottesloe, the Town of Mosman Park, and parts of the City of Subiaco and City of Stirling. See below for a full list of the suburbs in Curtin.

The local economy thrives on a mix of sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. Some of the region's most prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Western Australia and several renowned private schools, are located within Curtin. The electorate is also known for its vibrant art and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and community events.

Curtin is home to a diverse population of over 100,000 people who have access to quality education, healthcare, and various recreational activities. The pristine beaches, such as Cottesloe and City Beach, attract thousands of visitors each year for swimming, surfing, and relaxing under the Western Australian sun.

Since its establishment in 1949, the electorate of Curtin has been represented by the following members of parliament:

Sir Paul Hasluck (1949-1969): A scholar, diplomat, and politician, Hasluck held various ministerial positions before being appointed as the Governor-General of Australia in 1969, serving until 1974.

Victor Garland (1969-1981): Garland held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Post and Telecommunications, Minister for Supply, and Minister for Veterans' Affairs.

Allan Rocher (1981-1998): Initially elected as a Liberal MP, Rocher became an independent in 1996 after losing Liberal preselection. He held positions such as the Government Whip and Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations during his tenure as a Liberal MP.

Julie Bishop (1998-2019): The first female Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bishop was a key figure in Australian politics and diplomacy during her time in office.

Celia Hammond (2019-2022): A former university vice-chancellor, Hammond was elected as the Liberal MP for Curtin in 2019, serving on various parliamentary committees, including the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.

Kate Chaney (2022-present): Chaney became Western Australia's first female independent Federal MP after winning the seat of Curtin in 2022. With a background in business and philanthropy, she has been focusing on promoting a collaborative and cross-party approach to addressing key issues in the electorate and beyond.

The electorate of Curtin has a rich history and a promising future, offering a dynamic blend of natural beauty, economic opportunities, and strong community engagement. As the representative of this vibrant region, Kate Chaney is committed to promoting the well-being and interests of its diverse communities and working together to create an inclusive and prosperous Australia.