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About Kate

Learn more about your Independent Federal MP

About Kate|Learn more about your Independent Federal MP
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Why I’m Here

I ran as an Independent for Curtin because I was deeply frustrated by the lack of long-term, evidence-based decision making in Australian politics. Too often, short-term political gains get in the way of real solutions for our future.

I grew up in Curtin - we’ve raised our kids here, and I’m proud of the role our community plays in shaping WA and Australia.

People across Curtin tell me they want to live in a country that is safe, prosperous, compassionate and fair. But major challenges like housing affordability, climate change, decreasing productivity and tax reform threaten these values.

Tackling these big issues takes courage, foresight and a commitment to action beyond the next election - something neither major party has been willing to deliver.

As an Independent MP with experience in business, professional services and the community sector, I’m free to work constructively across party lines, collaborate with my community and focus on evidence-based solutions, not political point-scoring.

I feel optimistic that with a balanced, long-term approach, Australian democracy can evolve to tackle these challenges and secure a stronger future for all.

Politics isn’t working the way it should

Too often, politicians seem more focused on winning elections than making the big decisions that will improve Australia’s future. Instead of working together to solve challenges, major parties spend their energy attacking each other and protecting their own interests.

This isn’t unique to Australia - we’re seeing it globally. As trust in democracy declines, far-right movements, political polarisation and populism are on the rise.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Because of Australia’s preferential voting system, voters have the power to send a message: we want representatives who put their communities first, not their party.

That’s what community independents are all about - bringing decision-making back to the people, holding governments accountable and making sure policies serve Australians, not just political parties and big donors.

More Independents in Parliament means holding both sides to account, pushing for action beyond election cycles, and forcing major parties to focus less on winning government and more on building the future we deserve.

I’m excited and honoured to be part of this optimistic movement for democratic renewal—and to represent Curtin in Parliament with integrity, independence, and a commitment to real change.

First Speech

To read the transcript of this speech,

click here.

Education and Career history

Curtin is my home. I attended John XXIII College and studied arts and law at the University of Western Australia.

My career has prepared me well for Parliament.

As a lawyer, I advised companies on mergers and commercial agreements and at Redfern Legal Centre, advised individuals on credit and debt matters.

As a strategy consultant at Boston Consulting Group, I led projects relating to commercial problems in Sydney board rooms and social issues in remote communities in Cape York.

In the private sector, I developed Reconciliation Action Plans and a sustainability strategy for Wesfarmers, one of Australia’s largest companies.

In the community services sector I managed strategy and innovation at Anglicare WA and worked in partnership with government on innovative service design.

Through these jobs, I have learned different approaches to solving complex problems and how to build consensus. I have learned about the deep disadvantages experienced by some and the challenges in building support systems to reduce those disadvantages.

My career has taught me that there is rarely a black and white answer, there is always room to improve a solution after consultation and there is no one right way of thinking. These are useful lessons as I represent Curtin.