Stronger Communities

A compassionate community is a strong and safe one.

In Australia, we value the idea of giving everyone a “fair go” - but too many people still feel excluded or disconnected. Building inclusive, connected communities helps reduce isolation and strengthens our collective wellbeing.

I believe that diversity is one of our greatest assets. But we must go beyond acknowledging its value - we need to actively support diversity in background, perspective, age, and gender to ensure our communities thrive and grow.

My Priorities

• Banning harmful gambling advertising
  Protecting children and vulnerable Australians from the psychological and financial harm caused by pervasive gambling ads.

• Creating well-paid, secure jobs in health, aged care, and childcare
  Supporting the essential workers who care for our families and communities.

• Improving support for mental health
  Addressing the mental health crisis with better access to services, especially for young people.

• Establishing a nationally consistent framework to assess family violence risks
  Ensuring victim-survivors can access protection and justice, no matter where they live.

Delivered

As your Curtin Independent MP, I’m proud to have helped deliver results for our community.

• Led calls in Parliament to ban online gambling ads - just as we did with tobacco.

• Supported vape import bans and helped shut down a local vape shop.

• Advocating for secure, well-paid jobs in essential care sectors.

• Pushing for stronger domestic violence laws and better enforcement.

• Fighting for improved mental health support, especially for young people.

Watch & Read

Kate on ABC The 7.30 Report - Ban Gambling Ads - 9 September 2024

Gambling Advertisements Ban - Afternoon Briefing - 20 August 2024

Ten News - Gambling Ads - 13 August 2024

Domestic Violence Reform - ABC News - 28 May 2024

Speeches in Parliament

Question to the Minister for Social Services: Domestic Violence Crisis Payment - 26 November 2024

Question to the Prime Minister - When will he take action on Gambling Reform? - 22 August 2024

Prohibition of Gambling Advertisements Bill 2024 - 19 August 2024

Question to the Minister for Communications Re Gambling Reform - 13 August 2024

In detail

Family Violence

• Following a local tragedy, a parliamentary inquiry is underway to improve access to and enforcement of Family Violence Orders (FVOs).

• The inquiry focuses on:

  • Barriers in the family law system.

  • Making FVOs more accessible to victims.

  • Enhancing legal and non-legal support services.

• There is strong public demand for better support for women and accountability for perpetrators.

• While some progress was made in the 2024 Budget (e.g., Leaving Violence Program, super on paid parental leave), there was no new funding for frontline domestic violence services, which remain under pressure.

• Ongoing advocacy continues in WA for reforms across police, justice, and community sectors.

Online Gambling and Advertising

• Concerns are growing about children’s exposure to gambling ads, with many normalizing betting from a young age.

• A 2023 parliamentary report, “You Win Some, You Lose More”, made 31 recommendations, including:

  • A comprehensive ban on all online gambling advertising.

  • A national harm reduction strategy based on public health principles.

• Despite broad public and expert support, the government has not yet responded, nearly 18 months later.

• Continued advocacy is focused on pushing for implementation of the committee’s recommendations.