Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Indies join to spoil the parties' party (26 Oct 2024)

Federal MP Kate Chaney encouraged locals in Nedlands working to secure a Teal win in WA’s 2024 state election, advising, "Don't think that it's not possible." Addressing about 50 supporters, she praised the groundwork on development approvals, government integrity, and environmental issues, which will be the focal points of the Nedlands Teal campaign.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Chaney seeks to simplify death choice laws (26 Oct 2024)

Curtin MP Kate Chaney is working to introduce a Private Member's Bill amending the Commonwealth Criminal Code to help bridge an access gap to voluntary assisted dying. The amendment would allow experienced medical practitioners unrestricted use of Telehealth, as they deem appropriate, for purposes related to VAD. Ms Chaney recently answered questions about the Bill at the Dying with Dignity WA annual general meeting. The Commonwealth Criminal Code currently prohibits the use of an electronic carriage service for any discussion of suicide. This was originally intended to counteract "suicide chat rooms". The WA VAD Act expressly states that VAD is not suicide within the meaning of the Act. But commonwealth law overrides state law, and so there are grey areas within the states. This means that some people, particularly those living in regional areas, have been severely disadvantaged in accessing VAD. Ms Chaney said the amendment should be a "straightforward issue with a simple solution". She also described the background parliamentary processes, and the hurdles presented when politics overrides policy.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Teals 2.0: ‘People are dying to express their dislike for the majors’ (18 Oct 2024)

Kate Chaney's 2022 victory in Curtin has inspired a wave of grassroots independent campaigns across Australia, as voters grow disillusioned with major parties. Her success has sparked similar movements in seats like Moore and Fremantle, as well as across Queensland, with independents focusing on climate action and community-driven politics ahead of the next federal election.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

‘Everything should be on the table’: Independent MP open to negative gearing reform (25 Sep 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney discusses the importance of broad tax reform and housing policies ahead of the election. Chaney stresses that everything, including negative gearing and capital gains tax, should be on the table to address housing affordability issues for future generations. She advocates for open discussions around limiting the number of properties or capping losses for investors. Chaney also highlights the need for thoughtful medium-density housing development and the necessity of local and national governments working together to increase housing supply. Additionally, she touches on nuclear energy, maintaining an open mind until full details are available, and calls for stronger gambling reform.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

How BetStop, the Albanese government's self-exclusion scheme for wagering, failed an addicted gambler (24 Sep 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney has criticised the Albanese government’s BetStop gambling self-exclusion scheme after a Sydney man lost $70,000 despite registering. Loopholes in the system allowed him to continue betting, prompting Chaney to call for stronger national regulations and an ACMA investigation into betting agency compliance failures.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

The real power of independents (31 Aug 2024)

John Hewson argues that the rise of independent movements in Australian politics is an irreversible improvement in governance. He suggests that the upcoming election could reinforce the significance of independents, who continue to address voter concerns neglected by major parties.

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