Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

‘Terrible problem’ around violence against women needs ‘deeper long-term’ prevention (26 May 2024)

Independent Kate Chaney, the Federal Member for Curtin, addressed the devastating shooting of a mother and daughter in Perth. With her office close to the crime scene, Chaney described the community's shock and the urgent need for a comprehensive response to gendered violence. She discussed the necessity of improved frontline services, crisis accommodation, and broader societal change. Chaney reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing violence against women and emphasised that community-wide efforts are essential to prevent future tragedies.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

MP says ‘enough is enough’ as another man kills women (26 May 2024)

Curtin MP Kate Chaney emphasised that the recent Floreat murder-suicide is a stark reminder that violence against women can occur in any community. Expressing her heartbreak over the tragic loss of two women's lives, Chaney highlighted the need for systemic change and increased support for frontline services. She called for a cultural shift to address the underlying issues of gendered violence and reiterated her commitment to justice reform. Chaney plans to offer a condolence book in her office for community messages to the affected family. Premier Roger Cook also extended his condolences and praised first responders for their swift action.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

ABC Newsradio Audio: MP Kate Chaney says community outraged over Perth shooting (26 May 2024)

Kate Chaney, the Federal Member for Curtin, expressed her community's outrage following the tragic shooting deaths of a Perth mother and daughter. A 59-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter were fatally shot at home by a 63-year-old man. Chaney emphasised the need for a community response to prevent further violence, discussing the broader issues of gun reform and societal attitudes towards violence. She conveyed her condolences and planned to open a condolences book for the community. Chaney reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing gendered violence but highlighted the necessity of systemic change.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

'Democracy at risk': Call to ban generative AI election material (22 May 2024)

Australians are at risk of AI-powered disinformation ahead of the next federal election. Curtin MP Kate Chaney and ACT independent senator David Pocock have urged the government to ban the use of generative AI in election materials, warning of potential deepfakes of political leaders spreading misinformation. Despite recognising the threat, Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers admitted the AEC's limited capability to manage AI-generated content. Chaney emphasised the urgency for legislative action, highlighting Australia's vulnerability compared to countries like South Korea. The Senate committee will report recommendations by September.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Truth rears its ugly head (21 May 2024)

Independent federal MPs, including Kate Chaney, have reignited the debate on truth in political advertising with the release of private members' bills. Chaney's proposed Electoral Legislation Amendment (Fair and Transparent Elections) Bill aims to make it an offence to publish misleading electoral matter, addressing statements designed to create false impressions. Special Minister of State Don Farrell has indicated ongoing discussions with various MPs on this issue. The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters' interim report supports legislating measures similar to South Australia's provisions. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has expressed concerns about its role as an arbiter of truth, emphasising the need for clear enforcement mechanisms and severe penalties to maintain electoral integrity.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Smoke on the water marks massacre anniversary (18 May 2024)

A smoking ceremony on the shore of Galup/Lake Monger commemorated the massacre of indigenous people that occurred there on May 3, 1830. Over 80 community members, including Curtin MP Kate Chaney and Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin, were welcomed by elder Aunty Glenda Kickett. Traditional owners Ash Garlett Penfold and Ian Wilkes guided the smoking ceremony, fostering connection and healing. The event featured a Noongar song written by Ian Wilkes to honor those killed. "Galup is an important site for Whadjuk Noongar people and an area where our people camped," Ms. Kickett stated, emphasizing the need to acknowledge First Nations histories. Cambridge mayor Gary Mack, councillors, and local not-for-profits supported the event. Speakers called for the restoration of the name Galup and a memorial. The Town of Cambridge is finalizing a management plan in consultation with Whadjuk traditional owners, acknowledging the area's heritage and the 1830 massacre. For more information, visit galuptruth.com or book the Galup VR Experience at the State Library of WA on May 31-June 1.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Domestic violence services raise alarm after budget (17 May 2024)

Women's shelters and legal centres are struggling to keep up with demand, and vulnerable people are being turned away. Despite hopes for relief in the federal budget, the lack of new funding has forced some organisations to consider winding back services. Independent MP Kate Chaney emphasises that the funding is insufficient to meet the increasing demand, especially post-pandemic. She argues that funding should match the level of demand and be distributed across prevention, crisis, and recovery services to ensure adequate support for those in need.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

ABC News Breakfast Pre-Budget Comments from Kate Chaney (14 May 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney discusses Australia's economic and environmental challenges in a recent interview. Highlighting the balance between inflation control and addressing structural deficits, Chaney expresses concern over long-term fiscal strategies. She also voices constituent worries about the rising cost of living in Western Australia, emphasising the need for tax reform and more affordable housing. Furthermore, Chaney critiques the government's commitment to gas, arguing that it sends mixed signals about decarbonisation and could hinder investments in renewable energy. Her stance underscores the tension between current economic policies and the imperative for sustainable development.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Calls for Lake Monger rename grow (11 May 2024)

In an effort to honor and recognise Australia's Indigenous history, a movement to restore the traditional Noongar name, Galup, to Lake Monger is gaining momentum. The initiative, supported by local MPs including Kate Chaney, and community leaders, aims to commemorate the site's historical significance and the 1830 massacre of Whadjuk Noongar people. A recent smoking ceremony, which drew significant attendance including government officials, highlighted the community's commitment to reconciliation and cultural preservation. This event underscores a national shift towards acknowledging and healing from the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Cottesloe kids sock it to the car commute (11 May 2024)

Schools across the western suburbs celebrated national Walk Safely to School Day, encouraging students, staff, and parents to don their most outrageous socks and walk to school. Cottesloe Primary School embraced the event enthusiastically, with Principal Graham Dart highlighting the dual benefits: promoting physical health and reducing carbon emissions. Dart emphasized the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines and fostering environmental responsibility among students. The day also served as an opportunity for schools and communities to advocate for safer pedestrian routes, with Dart noting the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure like the steep pedestrian bridge over Stirling Highway. The event, inspected by Curtin MP Kate Chaney, underscored the community's commitment to safety and sustainability in school commutes.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Coalition MPs dismiss International Energy Agency advice to ditch nuclear plans (10 May 2024)

Amid ongoing debates over Australia's energy strategy, Independent MP Kate Chaney for Curtin advocates strongly for prioritising renewable resources like solar and wind over nuclear and gas. Aligning with the International Energy Agency's advice, Chaney criticizes the government's continued focus on non-renewable energy sources, emphasizing Australia's untapped potential in renewables as a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. Her stance highlights a growing divide in the country's energy policy, where economic feasibility and environmental sustainability are increasingly at odds with political decisions on energy management.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

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.

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