Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

The grassroots campaign targeting a Labor weak spot (29 July 2024)

Kate Chaney MP opposed the Albanese government’s live sheep export ban after engaging with WA farmers and their families. Despite accusations of political motivation, Chaney asserted that her decision was based on the adverse impact on communities. Keep The Sheep, a West Australian group, continues to campaign for support and aims to influence key Perth seats in the federal election.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Thousands rally against domestic and gender-based violence across Australia, calling for mental health support and training for first responders (28 July 2024)

Kate Chaney MP joined thousands in a nationwide rally against domestic and gendered violence. Emphasising the need for urgent legislative action, Chaney called for comprehensive reforms, increased funding for support services, and education programmes to prevent violence. Her participation underscored the importance of political leadership in addressing this critical issue and supporting victims across Australia.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

It's time to stop pitching ads for online gambling (23 July 2024)

Australia's gambling losses hit $25bn annually, with the highest online gambling spend globally. Most Australians gamble online, causing severe social issues like broken families and homelessness. Independent MPs, including Kate Chaney, support the Alliance for Gambling Reform's call for a national strategy to reduce online gambling harm and end pervasive gambling advertising. They stress the unique dangers of online gambling, linking it to various harms and advocating for stronger regulatory action to protect vulnerable communities.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Good artists copy, Kate artists teal: an interview with Kate Chaney MP (19 July 2024)

Kate Chaney, nearing two years as Member for Curtin, broke a 24-year Liberal hold in the 2022 election. Identifying as a "community independent," Chaney champions optimism and collaboration in politics. She advocates for electoral reform, climate action, and integrity in politics, criticising the current oppositional nature of major parties. Chaney values her independence, allowing her to assess legislation on its merits and influence policy constructively. Her commitment to fairer competition and accountability aims to restore public trust in representatives and foster a more representative democracy.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Labor warned against union-friendly donations laws (15 July 2024)

Revelations about CFMEU's alleged underworld links are overshadowing upcoming campaign finance reforms. Special Minister of State Don Farrell plans to introduce new spending caps and stricter donation disclosure rules. Teal MPs Kate Chaney and Zoe Daniel express concerns that state reforms favour major parties. Chaney advocates for legislation requiring corporations and unions to get approval before making political donations. Chaney stresses the need for fair rules to ensure a level playing field in Australian politics.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Tough road for donation cap (13 July 2024)

Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell is pushing for major reforms to Federal electoral laws, aiming to cap donations and spending, and enhance financial disclosure. Key components include a $1000 disclosure threshold and spending limits per candidate under $1 million. WA teal MP Kate Chaney and Victorian teal Zoe Daniel express concerns over the reforms’ impact on competition. The package seeks to curb big money's influence in politics and includes measures for third-party spending regulation. Despite extensive discussions, these reforms face a challenging parliamentary path and may not be implemented before the 2025 election.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Chaney’s live export reversal ‘not motivated by reelection’ (12 July 2024)

West Australian independent Kate Chaney has denied that her opposition to the Albanese government’s live sheep export ban was driven by re-election motives. Chaney, who won Curtin from the Liberals in 2022, changed her stance after discussions with WA farmers. Emphasising long-term national interests, Chaney defended her decision-making process and the need for leaders to evolve their positions. She is now focused on ensuring a well-implemented phase-out plan and robust animal welfare metrics. WA Premier Roger Cook has called for increased federal support to mitigate job losses from the ban.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

ABC RN Breakfast: Gambling Ads and Domestic Violence: a Call for Stronger Action (10 July 2024)

In a recent interview on ABC Radio National, Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin, delved into the issues surrounding the new prominence and Anti-siphoning Bill, gambling advertisement regulations, and domestic violence policies. Chaney highlighted the need for comprehensive gambling reform, expressing disappointment over the government's delay in implementing recommendations from a crossbench committee. She also shared insights into the harrowing impact of domestic violence in her electorate and advocated for significant changes in police and justice systems. Listen to the full interview to understand Chaney's call for stronger legislative action to protect the community.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Local DV crisis laid bare (6 July 2024)

WA Police statistics reveal a concerning rise in domestic violence across the western suburbs, with family-related assaults significantly outnumbering non-family assaults. Curtin MP Kate Chaney emphasised that domestic violence knows no postcode boundaries, highlighting the urgent need for improved support and resources for affected individuals.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Chaney goes in to bat for Yirra Yaakin (6 July 2024)

Subiaco-based Yirra Yaakin, Australia's largest Aboriginal-led theatre company, was highlighted in federal parliament by Curtin MP Kate Chaney. Established in 1993, Yirra Yaakin is renowned for its contributions to Aboriginal cultural expression and educational programs, playing a pivotal role in the consultation for the Creative Australia Bill.

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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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