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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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Hung parliament would power up pressure on gas (28 Aug 2024)

Teal MP Kate Chaney and the Greens are urging an end to new gas projects, challenging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's energy policy as he may need crossbench support in a potential minority government. Chaney argues that further fossil fuel development complicates Australia's decarbonisation efforts, aligning with broader calls for a swift transition to renewable energy.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Cries for a super tax rethink (26 Aug 2024)

The farm lobby, alongside Independent MPs, including Kate Chaney, is challenging Labor's proposed superannuation tax changes. The contentious "better targeted super" Bill seeks to tax unrealised earnings from investments over $3 million in self-managed super funds, a move critics argue unfairly targets farmers and small businesses. Teal MPs and rural independents oppose the legislation, citing its potential to force asset sales and jeopardise business succession plans. Advocates, including the National Farmers Federation, are calling for amendments to prevent undue hardship while still achieving the government's revenue objectives. The debate continues as crossbench MPs push for changes to the proposed bill.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Give your home an electric shock (24 Aug 2024)

Kate Chaney is spearheading an initiative to help households in her electorate become more energy efficient by electrifying their homes. A Floreat couple, Adrian and Milissa, who have already undertaken this transformation, will share their experiences at an event organised by the Curtin MP. The couple's home, built with sustainability in mind, boasts features like solar panels, a power storage battery, and energy-efficient systems, resulting in almost no power bills. Chaney's Electrify Curtin campaign aims to empower the community to make impactful changes toward a sustainable future. The event will be held at Scarborough Main Hall, and registration is available at www.electrifycurtin.com.au.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

‘Swiss cheese’ regulation: 21 crossbenchers call for a full gambling advertising ban (21 Aug 2024)

Twenty-one crossbenchers, including Kate Chaney, have called for a comprehensive ban on online gambling ads, criticising the government's current proposal for favouring broadcasters over public health. Chaney, who was part of a committee advocating for a ban, described the proposal as inadequate and full of exemptions. She highlighted that evidence supports a complete ban, as partial measures are ineffective, and suggested that many MPs support stronger actions but are reluctant to speak out.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Crossbench briefed on proposed gambling ad reform (21 Aug 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney has voiced her concerns regarding the federal government's approach to gambling advertising. During a recent briefing, Chaney advocated for a total ban on gambling ads, emphasising that this is what communities desire. She expressed frustration that the issue is being framed primarily as a public health concern but suspects economic factors, such as the sustainability of broadcast media, are influencing the government’s hesitation. Chaney also criticised the lack of public debate and called for broader discussions on alternative funding models for free-to-air television, like a levy. Additionally, she condemned the behaviour in parliamentary question time, describing it as appalling and condescending, though she refrained from labelling it outright misogyny.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Against the odds: Chaney believes the government could still change its mind on gambling (15 Aug 2024)

Kate Chaney, Curtin MP, criticises the Albanese government for not fully banning gambling ads, despite a committee’s unanimous recommendation. As the only independent on the committee, Chaney is disappointed but not surprised, citing the influence of vested interests on major parties. She remains optimistic that public pressure might change the government's stance and believes in the power of independents to enact change, even in a slow-moving democracy. Chaney continues to advocate for reforms that prioritise the community's long-term interests.

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