Liberal Tom White concedes victory to sitting teal independent Kate Chaney in Curtin (4 May 2025)
Article summary: Kate Chaney has officially retained the seat of Curtin following a concession from Liberal challenger Tom White, confirming her status as one of the most prominent teal independents in the federal Parliament. White, who initially declined to concede on election night, acknowledged Chaney’s victory in an Instagram post on Sunday morning, stating, “I have just called Kate Chaney to concede the election in Curtin and to congratulate her on a well-deserved victory.”
White expressed respect for Chaney despite their political differences, describing her as “an impressive and formidable opponent.” He praised the campaign conducted by her and her team, saying, “I admire her team and the sincerity they have brought to the campaign, even when we’ve disagreed strongly.” In a reflective tone, White added, “Defeat stings but it’s much less painful than the permanent, dull ache of wondering what might have been had I never tried. I have no regrets.”
With 76 per cent of the vote counted, Chaney held 53.3 per cent of the two-party-preferred vote, confirming her re-election after first winning the seat in 2022 as part of the teal independent movement. Chaney had previously unseated the Liberals in what had long been a blue-ribbon electorate. Prior to her 2022 victory, the Coalition had maintained control of Curtin for 23 years, and it had been considered one of their safest seats nationally.
Chaney’s successful defence of the seat is a significant moment in a broader political context that saw further setbacks for the Liberal Party. While the Liberals performed solidly in some regional areas of Western Australia — with incumbents Melissa Price and Rick Wilson retaining Durack and O’Connor respectively — the overall result was disappointing for the party. The federal election loss also included a major blow with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton unable to hold onto his own Queensland seat of Dickson.
Chaney’s win reinforces the growing electoral strength and staying power of independent candidates, particularly those from the teal movement who campaign on platforms of climate action, integrity in politics, and gender equity. Her return to Parliament will maintain independent pressure on the major parties, particularly at a time when the Labor Party is consolidating a strong majority nationally.
While Chaney has yet to issue a detailed post-election statement in this report, her prior remarks suggest she intends to continue her work as an independent who prioritises legislative scrutiny and electorate values over party lines. She has previously stated her commitment to working with both sides of politics and holding the government to account on issues that matter to her constituents.
The re-election of Kate Chaney not only sustains the shift away from traditional party dominance in inner-metropolitan electorates like Curtin but also signals the electorate’s continued endorsement of an independent, issue-driven style of representation.
