Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Independent Kate Chaney pans electoral reform ‘stitch-up’ (18 Nov 2024)

Kate Chaney MP has criticised the major parties' proposed electoral reform, labelling it a "stitch-up" designed to entrench their dominance. While the reforms introduce donation and spending caps, lower reporting thresholds, and real-time reporting, Chaney argues they disadvantage independent candidates and fail to address the public's demand for greater transparency and fairness.

She emphasised that the complexity of the bill and its rushed introduction undermine trust, stating, "This is not the way to rebuild trust or regain voter support." Chaney also criticised the lack of public consultation and committee review, calling the reform "too little, too late" and a disappointing response to declining trust in major party leadership.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Rush to cap political donations curious (18 Nov 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney has condemned proposed electoral reforms, highlighting their bias towards major parties. She argues the $90 million party spending cap allows resource redistribution, disadvantaging independents, in what critics view as a bid to preserve Labor and the Coalition’s dominance.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Sky News Interview on Electoral Reform re Donations (15 Nov 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney critiques Labor's proposed electoral reforms, highlighting concerns about spending caps favouring major parties and disadvantaging challengers. Speaking on Sky News, Chaney calls for transparency, fair competition, and scrutiny of changes that could reshape Australian democracy

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Kate Chaney Challenges Fairness of Labor's Electoral Reform Bill (15 Nov 2024)

Independent MP Kate Chaney raises concerns about Labor's proposed electoral reforms, highlighting how spending caps and public funding favour major parties and disadvantage new challengers. Speaking on ABC Radio Perth, Chaney advocates for transparency and a level playing field to ensure fair competition in Australian politics.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Will Chaney be kingmaker? (4 Nov 2024)

WA independent MP Kate Chaney could become a kingmaker in Australia’s next federal election, potentially holding the balance of power if a hung parliament arises. With WA interests in the spotlight, Chaney may play a crucial role in shaping policy outcomes for the state and the nation.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Independents pressure Greens to break housing stalemate after Queensland election losses (4 Nov 2024)

Independent Senator David Pocock and MP Kate Chaney are leading efforts to press the Greens into supporting the government’s housing bills, aiming to expand affordable rental and ownership options. Backed by voter sentiment, Pocock’s coalition of independents seeks to break legislative gridlock on housing as Australia’s rental crisis deepens.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

VIDEO: Kate Chaney believes its important that MP's disclose their interests amid Qantas debacle (4 Nov 2024)

MP Kate Chaney discusses transparency in politics, emphasising the importance of MPs disclosing interests and the need for transparency in political donations. Chaney supports relinquishing perks like Qantas Chairman's Lounge membership to ensure public trust in independent decision-making, aligning with fellow MP Allegra Spender's stance on rejecting travel privileges. Chaney reflects on the ethical implications of accepting travel upgrades, noting that while she hasn't solicited upgrades, politicians should be mindful of perceptions regarding their independence.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Crossbench MPs eye tax credit overhaul on major miners (3 Nov 2024)

Teal independent MP Kate Chaney is leading a crossbench push to reform Australia's diesel fuel tax credit for mining companies, advocating for credits to be conditional on decarbonisation efforts. Supported by colleagues, she argues the current tax system impedes climate goals, while opposition from government and industry groups points to economic concerns.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Anthony Albanese’s attempt to deflect Qantas questions eroded voter trust instead of fixing the system (31 Oct 2024)

Dr Helen Haines MP advocates for urgent integrity reforms in Australian politics, stressing that recent scandals have highlighted systemic weaknesses in transparency and accountability. With support from fellow crossbenchers, Haines calls for stronger lobbying laws, transparency measures, and merit-based hiring to restore public trust and prevent conflicts of interest in government.

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Alan Hewitt Alan Hewitt

Teals call for anti-corruption watchdog reform after robodebt review (31 Oct 2024)

Independent MPs Kate Chaney and Kylea Tink call for reforms in Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission after Commissioner Paul Brereton’s involvement in a robodebt probe raises conflict-of-interest concerns. Chaney calls for rebuilding trust, while Tink deems Brereton’s position "untenable," urging transparent accountability in anti-corruption efforts.

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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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