Kate Chaney’s strange sighting inside Parliament House (28 July 22)
Article summary: In her first speech to the Australian parliament, Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin, shared a unique analogy that likened her initial experiences in Canberra to witnessing a man eating a banana with a knife and fork at the age of five. This metaphor set the tone for her address, highlighting the blend of intimidation and peculiarity she felt stepping into the political arena. Chaney's decision to run for parliament was not made lightly, especially considering her immediate physical reaction to the idea, the challenges of balancing family life, and the scrutiny that comes with public office. Despite these hurdles and her lack of political experience, Chaney was driven by a compelling reason: the significance of her potential contribution to Australia's future.
Her campaign was inspired by a conversation with her daughter, who, despite acknowledging the short-term difficulties, believed her mother's involvement in politics would ultimately benefit the country. Chaney's victory over the Liberal incumbent in Curtin, a traditionally safe seat, was fuelled by her commitment to stronger climate action and integrity in politics. A significant moment in her campaign was a meeting with 17-year-old Ruby Paterson, who, along with her family, symbolised the desire for a new approach to politics—a movement for change that resonated with Chaney.
Coming from a family with a long history of political involvement, including uncles who served in Canberra for the Liberal Party and a grandfather who was a Liberal politician, Chaney has always been surrounded by a legacy of public service and social justice. However, she never felt aligned with either major political party, finding herself more drawn to the ideals of Robert Menzies regarding wealth distribution, social justice, and responsibility. This reflection on Menzies' words underscores Chaney's independent stance and her quest for a political environment that better reflects these values.
Related article: ‘Eating a banana with a knife and fork’: WA ‘teal’ independent Kate Chaney takes on parliament
