Spike in donations to independents after election spending caps pass parliament (14 Feb 2025)
Independent candidates, including Kate Chaney, Allegra Spender, Zoe Daniel and David Pocock, have seen a surge in donations following the passage of controversial electoral reforms capping individual candidate spending while allowing major parties to spend millions. The backlash highlights growing voter frustration, with independents pledging to challenge the reforms in the next parliament.
‘Not true’: MP crashes Labor minister’s doorstop on donor reforms (13 Feb 2025)
Independent MP Kate Chaney has slammed Labor’s electoral reforms as a “major party stitch-up,” warning they will entrench two-party dominance by limiting donations to independents. Zali Steggall, Jacqui Lambie, and other crossbenchers have also voiced strong opposition, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in Australian democracy.
Sky News: Political Transparency, Crossbench Influence, and the Battle for Curtin
Independent MP Kate Chaney discusses political transparency, campaign fundraising, and crossbench influence in a candid Sky News interview. She shares insights on her meetings with the Prime Minister and Peter Dutton, the upcoming election battle in Curtin, and the importance of constructive political relationships.
Labor to make last-ditch offer to Coalition and crossbench to pass contentious electoral reforms (8 Feb 2025)
Kate Chaney and other crossbench MPs have criticised Labor’s proposed electoral reforms, arguing they favour major parties by failing to address key spending advantages. Chaney warned that party-backed candidates could significantly outspend independents, calling for amendments to ensure a fairer system.
Crossbench hit major parties with election demand to increase social welfare payments (6 Feb 2025)
Key crossbench MPs, including Kate Chaney, say raising social welfare payments will be a priority if a hung parliament occurs after the federal election. They back ACOSS’s call to increase JobSeeker and Youth Allowance to at least $82 a day, emphasising fairness and poverty reduction as essential policy goals.
ABC Radio Drive: Mandatory Sentencing, Nature Positve Laws and Government Accountability (6 Feb 2025)
Independent MP Kate Chaney discusses mandatory sentencing, nature protection laws, and government accountability with Gary Adshead. She challenges political decisions, advocates for judicial discretion, and calls for long-term reforms that balance business interests and environmental protection.
Donations fix damages democracy (5 Feb 2025)
Proposed changes to Australia’s political donation laws could severely disadvantage independents while strengthening the major parties. Independent MP Kate Chaney and others warn that these reforms will entrench the two-party system by restricting funding for challengers while increasing public money for Labor and the Coalition.
Forget donations. This is where the major parties make millions (3 Feb 2025)
New AEC disclosures reveal that Labor and Liberal parties receive millions through exclusive pay-for-access programs for executives and lobbyists, far surpassing traditional donations. Amid concerns over political influence, the Albanese government is pushing for new campaign finance reforms ahead of the next federal election.
Police slam anti-Semitic graffiti in riverside Perth suburb of Dalkeith (3 Feb 2025)
Western Australian police are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti in Dalkeith, with MP Kate Chaney stating, “I’m shocked by the really disturbing anti-Semitic graffiti in Dalkeith overnight. This has no place in our community or any community.” Political leaders, including Anthony Albanese have condemned the attack amid rising concerns over anti-Semitism in Australia.
Political donations laws hang in the balance as Prime Minister weighs Dutton deal (2 Feb 2025)
Curtin MP Kate Chaney and Senator David Pocock are pushing the Albanese government to separate political donations reforms from broader electoral changes. With concerns that donation caps could disadvantage independents, they have criticised the lack of consultation, while the government continues negotiations with the Coalition.
Gambling Reform, Environmental Laws and Political Accountability - Radio 6PR (31 Jan 2025)
Independent MP Kate Chaney joins Ollie Peterson on 6PR to discuss the federal government's delay on gambling ad reforms, the push for stronger environmental laws, and the need for greater transparency in political decision-making. Tune in for insights on key issues shaping the upcoming election.
Labor scrambles to clinch political expenditure reform with Coalition deal (31 Jan 2025)
Independent MP Kate Chaney has slammed the federal government's attempt to revive a political donation reform deal with the Coalition, calling it "outrageous" and warning it could limit voter choice. She and other crossbenchers are demanding greater transparency and scrutiny, arguing that the proposed changes unfairly favour major parties.
Chaney says Nature Positive is teal deal (25 Jan 25)
Curtin independent Kate Chaney aims to revive the Federal Government’s Nature Positive laws if a hung Parliament emerges, accusing WA Premier Roger Cook and PM Anthony Albanese of prioritising politics over environmental protection. She remains hopeful the bill can move forward despite its previous collapse due to industry pressure.
Crossbenchers urge Labor to act immediately on deepfakes and misinformation before next election (23 Jan 2025)
Kate Chaney and David Pocock have called on the Australian government to urgently address deepfakes and disinformation ahead of the federal election. With the AEC warning about AI threats and foreign interference, the MPs demand reforms for truth in political advertising to protect democracy.
Labor MPs worried Albanese government may sideline gambling reform until after election (19 Jan 2024)
The Australian government faces criticism over delays in gambling ad reform, with advocates and MPs fearing action will be postponed until after the election. Despite public support for measures outlined in the 2022 Murphy report, no significant progress has been made.
Without Scott Morrison to hate on, can teals deal a blow to the Coalition this election? (11 Jan 2025)
Community independents face a shifting political landscape ahead of the 2025 federal election, with Climate 200 raising $7.6m to support up to 30 candidates. Voter disillusionment with major parties and strong performances by incumbents like Kate Chaney position the movement to retain and expand its influence.
WA’s state-owned gambling agency targets customers with promotions to maintain profits (19 Dec 2024)
Curtin MP Kate Chaney condemned WA Tab’s use of gambling promotions, calling it “shocking” and urging a responsible, harm-minimising approach. The state-owned agency’s profit-driven tactics face criticism amid a federal inquiry’s call for a national ban on such inducements.
A hung parliament is all but certain. After months of interviewing the crossbench, here’s what I’ve learnt (19 Dec 2024)
Australia’s independent MPs, including teals like Kate Chaney and Zali Steggall, are reshaping politics ahead of a likely hung parliament. With growing influence and crossbench collaboration, they challenge traditional party dominance and push for diverse representation in government.
Independent MPs sceptical of Dutton's nuclear plan (16 Dec 2024)
Curtin MP Kate Chaney criticised Peter Dutton’s nuclear power plan, citing the CSIRO’s findings that nuclear is “about 50 per cent more expensive than renewables.” Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned the plan could cost $4 trillion in lost economic output by 2050, setting up a key election battle over Australia’s energy future.