Teals, Greens fume over Labor gas move (10 May 2024)
Teal independent MP Kate Chaney from Curtin, WA, istcritical of he Australian government's new gas strategy, highlighting concerns over its environmental and political implications. The strategy, which supports extending gas projects to ensure supply beyond 2050, has sparked debate about its alignment with Australia’s climate goals. Chaney argues that the reliance on gas, particularly in Western Australia where a large portion is exported, contradicts efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This debate is set against a backdrop of shifting political support that could influence the upcoming elections, underscoring the complex interplay between energy policy and environmental sustainability.
Competition law may be breached: Graeme Samuel (9 May 2024)
In the wake of increasing media consolidation in Australia, concerns about breaches of competition law are mounting, as highlighted by former ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel. The focus is particularly on Kerry Stokes' expanding control over Nine Entertainment Holdings. Amid regulatory scrutiny, Independent MP Kate Chaney from Curtin weighs in on the situation, emphasizing the need for a robust framework to ensure fair competition and protect public access to a diverse media landscape. Her insights reflect a critical stance on the implications of media conglomerations, underscoring the importance of transparency and competition in the industry.
Labor’s gas boost opens new front in crossbench election battle (9 May 2024)
As the Australian government promotes new gas projects to sustain energy supply beyond 2050, opposition from teal independents, including MP Kate Chaney, and the Greens intensifies. They argue that such fossil fuel investments contradict the urgent shift needed towards renewable energy and could exacerbate climate issues. Chaney, representing Curtin, critiques the government for not adequately exploring alternative energy solutions and highlights discrepancies in gas reservations that favour exports over domestic needs. This debate is set against a political backdrop where energy policy could significantly influence the upcoming elections, reflecting a divide over how to balance environmental sustainability with energy security and economic interests.
Push to restore Lake Monger's original name - Galup - gains momentum (8 May 2024)
The push to rename Lake Monger to 'Galup' is gathering momentum, emphasizing the Whadjuk Noongar history and culture associated with the site. This initiative, supported by the community and politicians like Curtin MP Kate Chaney, aims to restore the lake's traditional Noongar name, symbolizing a significant step towards reconciliation and truth-telling in Western Australia. Chaney, advocating for the name change, highlights the importance of integrating local indigenous history into the community's everyday life, reflecting a broader thirst for knowledge about the deep connections between the Noongar people and their lands.
Fight for one Curtin rental (4 May 2024)
In the seat of Curtin, a distressing housing affordability crisis has been highlighted by MP Kate Chaney, with only one of 289 properties listed in March deemed affordable for young people or job seekers. This stark situation is echoed across Western Australia, as reported by Anglicare in their annual rental survey. The survey assesses properties based on whether the rent consumes less than 30% of a household's income and if it provides adequate living space. The findings show a severe shortage of affordable rentals, particularly for low-income earners on Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, or pensions. Despite a slight increase in rental listings compared to last year, the availability remains 59% lower than in March 2020. High interest rates and limited availability have driven up rental costs, exacerbating the housing crisis. Chaney criticises the federal government’s efforts, doubting the effectiveness of proposed cost-of-living relief in addressing the fundamental issue renters face. Her call for a paradigm shift in housing policy—from treating homes as assets to treating them as essential living spaces—reflects the urgent need for systemic change discussed at last year's Curtin Housing Forums.
Hubert shoots Anzac history (27 Apr 2024)
Discover the unique historical collection of action photos from the Gallipoli battlefronts, captured by Lieutenant Hubert Parker in 1915. Recently uncovered by his great-granddaughter, Kate Chaney, MP for Curtin, these images offer a rare glimpse into Australia's Anzac legacy. The collection, preserved by Parker's daughter, Delphine Anderson, includes poignant scenes from Anzac Cove and other significant sites, documented with Parker's own notes. This priceless archive provides an intimate look at the realities of World War I, shedding light on the personal experiences of those who served.
Wheely good fun on Cott freedom ride (27 Apr 2024)
Curtin MP Kate Chaney recently launched a wheelchair-friendly Velo Van Raam bicycle at Curtin Heritage Living in Cottesloe, enhancing accessibility to cycling joyrides for wheelchair users. This initiative is part of the Cycling Without Age Perth charity, which offers special bike rides for those unable to ride themselves. The new bike design allows for a wheelchair to be securely locked in place, promoting inclusivity in outdoor activities. Funded by a Stronger Communities Grant, this addition aims to make cycling accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility limitations. Volunteers are essential for expanding this program, with opportunities available for those interested in supporting this community-enhancing initiative.
Should politicians get off X? (24 Apr 2024)
Amidst escalating tensions between Australian authorities and social media platforms over concerns of inflaming extremism, the debate intensifies with calls from Senator Jackie Lambie for politicians to exit platform X. Despite these calls, perspectives vary among politicians, including Independent MP Kate Chaney who acknowledges the brutality on social media but values the real-time and diverse interactions it offers. As the Australian government grapples with platform X, owned by Elon Musk, over the dissemination of graphic content, a pivotal court case looms, potentially extending an injunction to halt such videos. This ongoing situation highlights the complex balance between free expression and safety on digital platforms.
Australia gambles like no other country. We have to rein it in (20 Apr 2024)
Explore the pressing issue of online gambling in Australia, as discussed by MP Kate Chaney and her efforts to combat its widespread impact. Learn about her advocacy for eliminating online gambling ads to protect vulnerable communities and reduce gambling harm. Discover the challenges and recommendations from the recent parliamentary inquiry into the detrimental effects of gambling on individuals and society.
Curtin's up for girls in sport (20 Apr 2024)
Curtin MP Kate Chaney strongly advocates for the Play Our Way program grants, which are available until April 29. This initiative, backed by a $200 million federal investment, aims to enhance facilities and participation for women's and girls' sports across Australia. Highlighting the rise in local interest in sports, Chaney emphasises the critical opportunity for sporting clubs in her electorate to develop sustainable women's and girls' teams through improved facilities and programs. She encourages teams to apply and offers additional support through her office, where grants officer Pippa assists with the application process. More information and applications are available on the "Helping You" section under General Grants on this website.
How cooked are our coral reefs? (20 Apr 2024)
The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute will host a public lecture at the WA Maritime Museum, featuring Emeritus Professor Malcolm McCulloch, who will discuss his research on coral reef geochemistry. This study, published in Nature Climate Change, reveals that global warming has already exceeded expectations by 0.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a rise that began in the mid-1860s, much earlier than ship-based records suggested. The lecture, set for Monday, April 22, will include a panel discussion with Curtin MP Kate Chaney, among others, followed by a Q&A session, promising insights into historical and recent ocean temperature changes.
Why is it legal for politicians to lie? (3 Apr 2024)
Independent MP for Curtin, Kate Chaney, spearheads political reform with the "Restoring Trust" bill, aiming to enhance transparency and level the playing field in Australian politics. Amidst rumors of major parties tightening election rules to their benefit, Chaney's initiative seeks to curb corporate influence and ensure genuine reform. This effort, supported by community-based independents, underscores the urgent need for legislative action to restore public trust and integrity in the political system, challenging the status quo and advocating for a fairer democratic process.
Crossbench demands donations reform after $16m in ‘dark money’ flows into voice campaign (3 Apr 2024)
Following revelations of $16M in "dark money" in the Indigenous voice referendum, crossbenchers, including independent member for Curtin, Kate Chaney, demand reforms to Australia's political donations laws. Advocates call for lowering the disclosure threshold to $1,000 for greater transparency. The push for electoral reform, including real-time disclosures, highlights the urgent need for transparency before the next federal election, ensuring voters are informed about campaign funding sources.
Crossbenchers back Lidia Thorpe’s call for federal government to act on deaths in custody reforms (21 Mar 2024)
Crossbenchers, including Independent MP Kate Chaney, back Senator Lidia Thorpe's call for urgent federal action on Indigenous deaths in custody and child removal reforms. They urge the Albanese government to empower the Australian Human Rights Commission to oversee these critical issues, highlighting the failure of successive governments to implement key recommendations. This united front seeks to pressure Canberra for tangible changes, emphasising the need for national leadership and accountability in addressing the worsening conditions for First Peoples.
Push to 'clean up' political donations (20 Mar 2024)
Crossbenchers propose a $1.5 million donation cap to "clean up politics," teaming with Independents and Greens for next federal election reforms, excluding spending caps. The Albanese government criticises the loophole for wealthy candidates. The Fair and Transparent Elections Bill, led by Senators David Pocock, Larissa Waters, and MP Kate Chaney, aims for donation caps, truth in advertising, and real-time disclosure. Albanese emphasises democracy's threat from excessive election spending, as reforms seek broad parliamentary support for lasting change.
'Reform that stays': Albanese says electoral reform needs Liberal support (20 Mar 2024)
Anthony Albanese defends Labor's bipartisan approach to electoral reform, focusing on political donations and advertising. Amid crossbenchers' concerns over a potential major party "stitch-up," the Fair and Transparent Elections Bill, led by independents and Greens, seeks a donor cap to limit individual donations to $1.5 million. Despite the need for government support, Albanese highlights Labor's historical commitment to reform and current broad consultations to achieve lasting changes.
ABC Drive Interview on Electoral Reform (19 Mar 2024)
In Canberra, a coalition of independents, including notable figures like Kate Chaney, the Greens, David Pocock, Lidia Thorpe, and the Jacqui Lambie Network, are spearheading a movement for enhanced transparency in political donations. They propose the Fair and Transparent Elections Bills, aiming to introduce significant reforms such as truth in political advertising, a ban on donations from industries deemed socially harmful, and stricter definitions of gifts, while deliberately omitting a cap on election spending. Amidst discussions on real-time donation disclosures and the potential influence of large donations on political dynamics, this initiative seeks to reshape the landscape of electoral funding, emphasising the need for integrity and transparency in the political process.
Donation reform must drive competition Chaney (16 Mar 2024)
Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin emphasises the importance of maintaining political competition amidst proposed electoral reforms by the Labor government. These reforms aim to cap donations and possibly limit electoral spending, potentially impacting significant contributions like those from Atlassian founders to Climate 200 and Clive Palmer's substantial funding to the United Australia Party. Chaney champions transparency in political donations, publishing them in real-time on her website, contrasting the current annual disclosure requirement. She argues that voters deserve to know who funds candidates and to be shielded from misleading political advertising, stressing that democracy thrives on competitive choice among candidates. Chaney warns against reforms that might entrench the status quo or disadvantage new challengers, advocating for a fair cap system that accommodates various funding sources and ensures a level playing field in politics.
Albanese Govt Urged to Protect New Tribunal's Independence (15 Mar 2024)
The Australia Institute's study on cronyism in government appointments underscores the need for reform, spotlighting the Administrative Review Tribunal's (ART) establishment by the Albanese Government. Independent MP Kate Chaney's recommendations aim to safeguard the ART's independence through measures like cooling-off periods for politically affiliated appointees and broader eligibility criteria. These proposals, advocating for transparency and a merit-based selection process, are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring unbiased, impactful decisions on matters affecting Australians' lives.
No billionaire should be free to sink Titanic money into politics (15 Mar 2024)
The Australian government's consideration of caps on political donations and campaign spending, spurred by Clive Palmer's $117 million expenditure, ignites debate on electoral reform. Independent MP Kate Chaney emphasises the challenge of implementing caps without disadvantaging challengers against major parties. The proposed reforms aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and prevent undue influence in elections, balancing free speech with the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome could reshape the future of Australian democracy, preventing distortion by massive financial contributions and ensuring equitable political competition.