A big part of being a community independent is ensuring that the voices of our community are heard in policy-making. One way I do this is by collating the experiences and views of people in our community into Curtin submissions to Parliamentary Inquiries and other processes.
Current
- Job Ready Graduates Submission
This submission to the Education and Employment Legislation Committee inquiry argues that the Job-Ready Graduates scheme has failed to achieve its stated objectives. The scheme was premised on the idea that increasing university fees for certain humanities degrees would redirect enrolments towards STEM disciplines aligned with perceived labour-market needs. Drawing on national reviews, local survey data from students and Curtin community members and sector evidence, the submission shows that students’ course choices are driven primarily by interest, aptitude and professional requirements rather than fee levels. The scheme has not influenced enrolment patterns as intended and has instead worsened equity outcomes and has increased financial pressure on both students and universities. The submission sets out a series of recommendations, including support for the passage of the Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End $50,000 Arts Degrees) Bill 2025 as a necessary first step in reversing the most harmful fee increases under the Job Ready Graduates scheme.
- NDIS Planning Framework Submission
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing undertook a consultation on the new NDIS Planning Framework rules. The new framework is intended to make NDIS planning clearer and more transparent. This submission was based on feedback from constituents and makes 11 recommendations to ensure that the framework improves the planning and review experience for NDIS participants and their families. Thank you to those who provided feedback.
- Inquiry into the 2018 GST Distribution Reforms
The Government undertook an inquiry into the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the operation of Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution reforms. This submission supports maintaining the existing 2018 arrangements, including the legislated GST relativity floor. The evidence shows the current system is fair, stabilising and nationally beneficial, consistent with the objectives of horizontal fiscal equalisation (HFE). It also ensures that Western Australia (WA), a state which drives national economic performance, is incentivised to continue to invest in and develop resources critical to Australia’s prosperity and energy transition.
Past
- Thriving Kids Initiative Submission
The Government undertook an inquiry into how governments support kids under 8 with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, and their families, through a new Thriving Kids Initiative. Our Curtin Submission to the government inquiry draws on the findings of a community survey completed by families, health professionals and educators who will be impacted by the change. Thank you to those in Curtin who provided feedback.
Read the submission and its 11 recommendations here
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Submission to Inquiry into Aged Care Service Delivery
The Government undertook an inquiry into aged care service delivery. This submission is based on engagement with constituents and experts. Thank you to those in Curtin who provided feedback.
- Submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable
The Government undertook an inquiry into economic reform, for the Economic Reform Roundtable emphasising the need for intergenerational equity. Thank you to those in Curtin who provided feedback.
- Online Safety Submission
The Government undertook an inquiry into social media and its impact on mental health and child safety. This issue was raised by young people in Curtin, as well as their parents and grandparents. Our recent Curtin Online Safety Survey reflected these concerns, with 574 Curtin constituents responding to inform our Curtin Community Submission to the Government’s review of the Online Safety Act 2021.
Click here to read the full submission
- Live Sheep Export - Transition Support Program
I have met with advocates on both sides, and it has reinforced to me the conflict between deeply held values.
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Fuel Efficiency Standard
It outlines the need for a robust Fuel Efficiency Standard in line with international best practice, and reflects on the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, as well as calling for a broader transport decarbonisation strategy that goes beyond passenger EVs to consider the essential role that public and active transport must play in reaching out net zero goals.
- Transport
The National Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap aims to set out the pathway for decarbonising the entire transport sector. Consistent with Curtin’s Pathway to Net Zero findings, and our community surveys about active transport, this submission advocates for active transport (walking and cycling) to take a central role is urban transport decarbonisation, and what federal support is needed to improve active transport infrastructure in Curtin.
Click here to read the full submission
- Aged Care
In late 2023 the Department of Health and Aged Care released an exposure draft for the new Aged Care Act. Following a community workshop in February 2024, Kate prepared a submission on the Act representing feedback from constituents.
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Housing
I have consulted my community on housing policy priorities and ideas, by holding community forums and conducting online surveys
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National Urban Policy
The new National Urban Policy aims to make Australian cities more liveable, equitable, sustainable, productive, and resilient. Our Curtin Community Submission includes the results of our Good Infill Survey (June 2024) and recommendations from our Good Infill Forum (June 2024), Curtin’s Pathway to Net Zero report (Feb 2024) and Housing Forum Summary Report (Dec 2023). It highlights key aspects of sustainable and liveable development that Curtin residents want to see.
Click here to read the full submission
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National Packaging Reform
The Minister for the Environment has promised to introduce regulation to reduce packaging waste and pollution. Our Curtin Community Submission was prepared by the Waste Working Group from Curtin’s Pathway to Net Zero.
Click here to read the full submission