Kate Chaney - From Curtin to Canberra

Kate was educated and raised in Curtin and has deep family connections with the electorate, attending school at John XXIII and later the University of Western Australia, where she gained a law degree.

Coming from a family with strong political history, Kate grew up in a culture where service to community was highly valued through business, law, politics and education.

In 1998 Kate joined national law firm Blake Dawson Waldron in Sydney. After completing an MBA in 2003 she moved to the Boston Consulting Group where she worked as a strategic advisor in the aviation, financial services and non-profit sectors.

In 2007 Kate took up a role as General Manager Business Development with Westralia Airports Corporation before moving to Wesfarmers Limited where she held a range of positions.

As Aboriginal Affairs Manager, Kate developed and implemented Wesfarmers’ first two Reconciliation Action Plans, then as GM Emerging Ventures, she established a new department investigating investment opportunities in high growth digital businesses. As Wesfarmers’ Sustainability Manager she developed a group-wide approach to social and environmental sustainability.

After a short stint back at the Boston Consulting Group as a Principal, from 2017 to 2022 Kate was Director Innovation & Strategy at Anglicare WA, overseeing strategic planning and driving innovative approaches to positive social change.

Kate has also held Board roles with a range of organisations including Next 25, Lifeline, Awesome Arts WA and the WA Regional Development Trust.

In January 2022 Kate was approached by a grassroots community group - Curtin Independent - to run as an independent candidate in Curtin in the federal election. For sometime, Kate had been frustrated with the divisive culture of Federal politics and in particular the lack of sound, long-term decisions being made for Australia’s future.

In a community-driven campaign, Kate ran on a platform of real climate action, integrity, future- focused economic management, and a commitment to building connected, inclusive communities. On May 26, 2022, Kate won the seat of Curtin in a 15.2% swing against the Liberal party.

Kate lives in West Leederville with her husband Bill and three children.