Independent Kate Chaney confirms she will run for Curtin again (8 Mar 2024)
Article summary: Independent Kate Chaney has confirmed her candidacy for the Curtin seat in the upcoming election, a decision announced following the Liberal Party's selection of Tom White as their candidate. This move aims to reclaim the historically Liberal stronghold, which shifted during the 2022 election when so-called “teal independents”, including Chaney, secured several similar constituencies across Australia. The electorate, known as Perth's Golden Triangle, witnessed a significant political shift, reflecting a broader national trend towards independent candidates.
Chaney's announcement came after considerable speculation regarding her political future, which she acknowledged had raised questions among her constituents, the media, and her colleagues. She has chosen to focus on her duties as a representative rather than early campaigning, emphasising her commitment to serving the Curtin community over political strategising.
The Western Australia Liberals' state council recently endorsed Tom White, a former Uber executive and advisor to Peter Collier, as their candidate for Curtin. White secured the nomination over Matt Moran, a defence industry advocate and former journalist, in a decisive party vote.
Chaney's campaign will concentrate on key issues such as restoring integrity in politics, reducing emissions, and reforming the tax system to ensure a more stable budgetary future. She expressed skepticism about the Liberal Party's direction under Peter Dutton's leadership, criticising it as increasingly divisive and polarised, driven by negative emotions and lacking in substantive policy proposals. According to Chaney, Dutton's leadership fails to align with the values of the Curtin electorate, indicating a clear distinction between her platform and that of the Liberal Party. This stance underscores the ongoing debate about the political identity and future of Curtin, reflecting broader discussions about the role and influence of independent candidates in Australian politics.
