JUVENILE INCARCERATION AND THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY (23 Nov 22)
Kate Chaney, the independent member for Curtin, raised questions to the Attorney General about releasing a Council of Attorneys-General report concerning the proposal to raise the criminal age of responsibility to 14 nationwide. Chaney highlighted concerns from her electorate about the treatment of young individuals in detention and stressed the need for a trauma-informed approach to youth justice. The conversation touched on the complexities of releasing the report, the potential benefits of increasing the age of criminal responsibility, and the importance of a unified approach across Australian jurisdictions.
Teal picked as Australian word of the year (23 Nov 22)
The term "Teal" has been named Australia's word of the year for 2022, symbolising the rise of independent political candidates like Kate Chaney who champion greater integrity and action on climate change. This recognition by the Australian National University's Dictionary Centre highlights the significant impact of the Teal movement in reshaping the country's political landscape, advocating for transparency, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The success of these independents in the federal election marks a pivotal shift in Australian politics, reflecting a broader societal demand for change and accountability within the governance system.
Chaney calls on Federal Labor to step in over Banksia Hill (17 Nov 22)
Community independent MP Kate Chaney has urged the federal Labor government to address the issues at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, advocating for a shift towards a more therapeutic and culturally appropriate approach to juvenile justice in Western Australia. Following a Four Corners report exposing the use of restraining methods on detainees, Chaney highlighted the need for federal intervention and called for reforms, including raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14. Her efforts underscore the critical need for systemic change in Australia's approach to juvenile detention, emphasising support and rehabilitation over punitive measures.
Kate Chaney calls on Labor government to scrap Stage 3 tax cuts (13 Oct 22)
Independent MP Kate Chaney has urged the Labor government to reconsider the Stage 3 tax cuts, highlighting Australia's economic challenges and the disproportionate benefit to higher earners. Advocating for a comprehensive tax system review over immediate cuts, Chaney's stance reflects a call for long-term fiscal responsibility and social equity. Her approach underscores the influence of independent MPs in national economic debates, pushing for policy shifts towards sustainable and equitable governance.
Red, teal and green – a new look for the Power list (30 Sep 22)
The Australian Financial Review's article "Red, teal and green – a new look for the Power list" highlights the significant shift in Australia's political landscape, emphasising the emergence of the Labor government, the teal movement, and the Greens. This change reflects a growing public demand for action on climate change, integrity in politics, and gender equality. Kate Chaney, as part of the influential “teal” community independents, plays a crucial role in this new political era, advocating for progressive policies and a more collaborative approach to governance. The inclusion of the teal movement in discussions about Australia's most powerful political forces underscores their impact on national policy and public discourse, marking a potential long-term change in the country's political direction.
AFR Australia’s 10 most powerful people in 2022 (30 Sep 22)
The teal independents, a group of community independent MPs including Kate Chaney, have emerged as pivotal figures in Australian politics, particularly following the 2022 federal election. Their rise to power reflects a growing public desire for action on climate change, integrity in politics, and gender equality, among other issues.
The inclusion of the teal independents in this list underscores their collective ability to influence legislative agendas and public policy, challenging the traditional two-party system and advocating for a more collaborative and transparent approach to governance.
Independent MP Kate Chaney says cost and restrictive laws as blocking access to abortion in WA (29 Sep 22)
In Australia, political figures like Ged Kearney and community independent MP, Kate Chaney, are spearheading efforts to improve access to reproductive services, highlighting the challenges women face in obtaining abortions. Kearney's personal story and her role in the Albanese government emphasise the need for enhanced reproductive healthcare. Chaney advocates for policy reforms to eliminate financial and procedural barriers to abortion, stressing the importance of treating it as a healthcare issue. A Senate inquiry has been established to examine the accessibility of abortion services, reflecting a national imperative to ensure safe, legal, and accessible reproductive rights for all Australian women, amidst global discussions on reproductive autonomy.
At just 21, Sue’s son had lost $100,000 to online gambling. His story is far from unique (19 Sep 22)
The story of Sue's son, who lost $100,000 to online gambling by age 21, highlights a critical issue in Australia's youth gambling crisis. This case, among others, has prompted a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harms, supported by independent MP Kate Chaney. The inquiry aims to address the ease of access to betting apps and the pervasive nature of gambling advertising, which normalizes betting among young people. As families like Sue's seek reforms, including advertising bans and the introduction of BetStop, a national self-ban register, the inquiry's findings next year are eagerly awaited for potential legislative changes to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling addiction.
Online gambling advertising should be banned say parents ahead of parliamentary inquiry (18 Sep 22)
The ABC News article highlights the urgent call from parents for a ban on online gambling advertising, ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into its impact. The story of Rod and his son Ollie, who lost $25,000 to online gambling, underscores the dangers of accessible betting apps and aggressive advertising. Independent MP for Curtin, Kate Chaney, part of the inquiry committee, emphasises the normalization of gambling among children, with research showing a significant number can name multiple betting agencies. The inquiry, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy, aims to reevaluate regulations and address the pervasive influence of gambling ads, particularly in sports, to protect vulnerable individuals and restore the enjoyment of sports free from betting pressures.
Kate Chaney’s strange sighting inside Parliament House (28 July 22)
Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin, made a memorable first speech in parliament, drawing on a unique childhood memory to illustrate her feelings about entering politics. Emphasising the importance of integrity and climate action, Chaney's campaign was inspired by a deep sense of public service and a desire for political reform. Her story, from feeling physically ill at the thought of running for office to winning a traditionally safe Liberal seat, highlights her commitment to change and the support from her community, symbolised by young activist Ruby Paterson. Chaney's political journey reflects her family's legacy and a longing for a political landscape that champions social justice and responsibility.
‘Engineers of our extinction’ Teal independent Kate Chaney takes on quest for progress (28 Jul 22)
In her inaugural address to the Australian parliament, Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin, has boldly challenged conventional notions of progress and growth, marking her as a significant new voice in the political arena. Her speech, which metaphorically critiqued the prevailing attitude towards development by likening it to "eating a banana with a knife and fork," underscores a call for a deeper reflection on what truly constitutes progress for humanity. Chaney's stance, advocating for a reassessment of the belief that "more is always better," resonates with a growing public demand for sustainable and thoughtful governance. As she takes on her role in parliament, Chaney's unique perspective and commitment to questioning established norms signal a fresh approach to addressing the complex challenges facing Australia today.