Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

A third of Australian bets found to be placed by problem gamblers amid warning of ‘predatory’ industry (25 June 2024)

The number of Australians betting on sports has doubled in five years, with a third of bets placed by problem gamblers, according to Roy Morgan polling. The findings, released by the Alliance for Gambling Reform, highlight the predatory nature of the online gambling industry, which is targeting a new generation. Independent MP Kate Chaney criticises the government for its inaction, urging them to stand up to gambling companies and implement recommended ad bans. Despite acknowledging the issue, the government has yet to respond formally to the parliamentary report.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Australia needs a national identity based on civic belonging, not ethnic or religious exclusion (23 June 2024)

Kate Chaney, the independent member for Curtin, advocates for a community-driven vision for Australia's future, emphasising the need for new wellbeing metrics that reflect collective aspirations. Chaney urges the government to move beyond economic measures and engage in meaningful discussions on national identity and values, fostering an inclusive society that benefits everyone.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Wrong power to the people (22 June 2024)

Nuclear power for Australia would be slow, expensive, and uncertain, Kate Chaney said in response to Peter Dutton's announcement of the Liberals' nuclear plan. Chaney emphasised that her Curtin constituents want climate action and economically sensible decisions. She criticised Dutton for committing to the most expensive energy source without clear cost implications, calling it economically irrational and unlikely to attract private investment. Chaney highlighted Australia's advantages in renewable energy, which is the cheapest form of energy. She argued that nuclear power does not fit WA's small, variable grid and would delay real climate action. The WA Liberal Party also opposes nuclear power for WA.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Dutton's push to sell nuclear energy policy to urbanites (20 June 2024)

Curtin independent MP Kate Chaney criticises Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan, calling it impractical and costly. Dutton's proposal for seven nuclear reactors by 2050 faces backlash from climate-focused parliamentarians and experts, who advocate for renewable energy. Energy Minister Chris Bowen and the CSIRO highlight the high costs and long timelines associated with nuclear power, with potential reactors not operational until 2040. The plan also faces opposition from state leaders and energy companies, with concerns about the impact on regional communities and energy prices.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Labor under pressure from within to act on gambling reform as one-year anniversary of landmark report nears (20 June 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney urges the Albanese government to act on Peta Murphy's gambling reform recommendations, criticising the year-long delay. Chaney calls for immediate action against gambling companies, media, and sporting codes. As the anniversary of the landmark report nears, pressure mounts from crossbenchers and gambling harm advocates for comprehensive reforms to protect Australians from gambling-related harm.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Kate Chaney calls for mandatory ‘risk assessment framework’ for DV cases, questions ‘culture’ of WA Police (20 June 2024)

Teal independent MP Kate Chaney advocates for a legally mandated "risk assessment framework" for domestic violence victims in Western Australia, urging police to take reports seriously. In the wake of the Floreat murders, Chaney supports tighter firearm laws and GPS tracking for offenders but highlights the need for deeper cultural change within WA Police. She calls for reforms to protect women, leveraging Victoria's model as a potential solution. Chaney's efforts aim to address systemic issues and ensure comprehensive protection for domestic violence victims.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

ABC Drive: Kate Chaney Criticises Coalition's Nuclear Energy Policy as Economically Irrational (19 June 2024)

In an interview with ABC's Jo Trilling, Curtin MP Kate Chaney criticises the Coalition's nuclear energy policy, calling it economically irrational and the most expensive form of power. Chaney highlights the CSIRO GenCost report, which shows nuclear energy is significantly more costly than solar and wind. She stresses the need for policy certainty for investors and advocates for a renewable energy transition. Chaney also points out the challenges of integrating nuclear power into Western Australia's energy grid and the importance of reforming safety and social licence issues associated with nuclear energy.

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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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