Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Teals blast Nats leader for ‘sowing division’ (19 June 2024)

Teal MPs, including Curtin MP Kate Chaney, criticise Nationals leader David Littleproud for dividing country and metropolitan Australians over renewable energy. Chaney emphasises the toll of climate change on agricultural land and advocates for regional benefits in the clean-energy transition. As elections near, this debate intensifies, highlighting the need for unity and sustainable energy policies.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

As McLachlan jumps to Tabcorp, sport’s gambling addiction grows stronger (18 June 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney criticises Gillon McLachlan's transition to Tabcorp CEO, highlighting the deep ties between sports and gambling. Chaney’s comments underscore concerns about the normalisation of gambling in Australian sports. As McLachlan prepares to lead Tabcorp amidst significant challenges, including market competition and shareholder dissatisfaction, questions arise about his suitability for the role given his lack of experience in listed companies and the wagering sector. This appointment sparks a broader debate on the influence of gambling in sports and the need for transparency and reform.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

‘More secretive than the Morrison government’: Labor accused of transparency failure (18 Jun 2024)

Curtin independent MP Kate Chaney criticises the Albanese government for delays in electoral reforms and lack of transparency. Despite promises of real-time donation disclosures and integrity measures, progress has been slow, leaving voters disillusioned. Chaney highlights the need for urgent action to rebuild trust before the next election, emphasising that the government must fulfil its transparency commitments to restore faith in Australian politics.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Welfare groups fear collapse after budget (15 June 2024)

The May budget's failure to provide recommended funding has left community legal services in crisis, with a massive shortfall threatening essential services. Kate Chaney, MP for Curtin, highlighted the issue, questioning why women fleeing domestic violence should face service reductions due to inadequate funding. Despite recommendations for significantly higher investment, only $44 million was allocated, risking the collapse of critical legal aid services. The urgent need for increased funding is essential to address the growing demand and support vulnerable populations.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Alarm over betting ads (15 June 2024)

Curtin resident Ian Ross is urging the AFL to shield underage users of its app from online sports gambling ads, supported by Curtin MP Kate Chaney. A critic of online gambling, Chaney campaigns to ban such ads, including in sports. Despite Ian’s repeated complaints to the AFL, ads for SportsBet persist, even when settings are changed to indicate a user is under 18. Chaney highlights the negative impacts of gambling, such as mental health issues and family breakdowns, and calls for a comprehensive ban on gambling ads, similar to the tobacco ad ban decades ago.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Dutton escalates climate war with ‘out of touch’ teals (11 Jun 2024)

Curtin MP Kate Chaney criticises Peter Dutton for not setting a 2030 emissions target, stating it shows the Coalition as an unviable alternative. She emphasises the need for immediate climate action, aligning with teals and Labor who advocate for urgent measures. Dutton’s stance delays critical progress, focusing on a 2050 net-zero goal.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Nine independent MPs and Greens back UN call for Australia to ban fossil fuel advertising (6 Jun 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney supports a ban on fossil fuel advertising to combat greenwashing and its negative impacts on climate and public health. She notes that fossil fuel companies use ads to build social licence despite their harmful business models. This call aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s appeal to stop enabling “planetary destruction.”

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Lift the Taboo (1 Jun 2024)

Curtin MP Kate Chaney addressed the tragic consequences of domestic violence in Floreat, stressing that such issues are often hidden in affluent communities. "It's often hidden in more affluent communities, but it is definitely there," she stated. Chaney called for a ban on guns in urban areas and highlighted the systemic failures in reporting and addressing domestic violence. She criticised the media's reluctance to report "minor" instances of domestic violence, which often escalate. Chaney emphasised the need for better cooperation between police and journalists to expose and deter domestic violence. Her call to action underlines the urgency for systemic change to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Affluence hides abuse – Chaney (1 Jun 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney fiercely condemned the fatal shooting of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc in Floreat, near her electorate office. "Two more women have lost their lives because of a man with a gun," she stated, highlighting the hidden prevalence of domestic violence in affluent communities. Chaney emphasised the urgent need for systemic change, calling for more support for frontline services, justice reform, and cultural shifts to address violence against women. She spoke with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who reiterated his commitment to tackling gender violence. Chaney continues to advocate for prioritising women's safety and implementing new laws nationwide.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Mum, Daughter Slain in Floreat Honoured (30 May 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney addresses the tragic deaths of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc in Floreat, highlighting the urgent need for action against domestic violence. The community mourns the loss of the mother and daughter, who were killed by a friend's estranged husband. Chaney has opened a condolence book in her office, emphasising the widespread impact and community connections to the Petelczyc family. This tragedy underscores the necessity for improved support and preventative measures to protect women from violence.

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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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