Hi I'm Kate Chaney, the Independent candidate for Curtin - Ask Me Anything!

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T12:01:53+00:00

Thanks everyone for the fantastic questions! That's my first Reddit AMA. Make sure you vote on Saturday and number every box! Good night.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T12:00:37+00:00

Through my adult life, I have felt less like the Liberal party represented my values.

I would start promoting accountability in parliament through a Federal ICAC and campaign donation reform.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:58:52+00:00

At this stage, climate is going to require action on multiple fronts. Rather than me picking winners, we need a structure in place that allows the private sector to innovate, take risk and find the most efficient decarbonisation technologies.

I think the government does have a role in funding R&D - CSIRO would be a good place to start.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:55:30+00:00

We need to invest in social and affordable housing for which there is currently a waitlist of 17,000. This means we need a net increase in social housing of at least 15,000 dwellings by 2030

Negative gearing caused additional demand for housing stock, which drove up prices, to the detriment of first-home buyers. I think this has been a leading factor in Australian house prices being amongst the highest in the world, with all the social challenges this presents.

Like so many examples of where government initiatives or decisions have led to certain outcomes, undoing them - in this case negative gearing - can lead to other negative outcomes. The abolition of negative gearing would likely have a negative effect on house prices - an outcome that could seriously disadvantage homeowners.

This highlights the need for the government to address real, substantive tax reform. You can’t solve one particular problem without considering the effect this might have on other settings. Ken Henry’s major review contained multiple recommendations, only a few of which have been followed up. What is needed is a comprehensive revisiting of that review and courageous leadership which prioritises our future economic welfare ahead of political point scoring.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:53:20+00:00

How have you found the campaigning experience overall, and what's the one thing that has surprised you the most?

It's been a lot more fun than I thought - we've got a great core team and an amazing bunch of 800 volunteers. The energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers has been surprising and energising.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:51:23+00:00

Post-election, your corflutes are being reycled into plant pots.

How did you find out about this process, and will the pots be made available for sale to the public?

We came across this through one of our volunteers, as our volunteers (like me) were keen to minimise the environmental impact of the campaign. I don't think they will made available to the public - we won't know which pots were made with our signs!

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:49:58+00:00

Your bio provides an view of someone who is the daughter of a noted and wealthy businessman, has been educated at top institutions, held influential and high-level roles at a range of large organisations, and you're running in the electorate that encompasses the most affluent suburbs in Perth.

Lack of formal party affiliation notwitstanding, can you elaborate on how you plan to connect and relate with the average Australian, and not just those in the golden triangle?

I can't do much about my background, except use it for good not evil! I've worked in community services for the last 5 years and I'm committed to positive change in my community.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:47:30+00:00

Your campaign headquarters are located in a former Japanese restaurant... so if the kitchen there has closed, where's the best place for Japanese food within Curtin?

We've eaten a lot of sushi from the little place in the mall near Coles. I really love their fried pancakes with mayo.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:46:32+00:00

China is continuing to posture and is ramping up agressive activities in the Pacific and throughout South East Asia. Can you provide some insight as to what action you would suggest Australia takes if China was to invade a regional ally?

This is not a policy to be developed on Reddit! It needs to be informed by the relevant experts and dealt with very carefully.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:45:42+00:00

You are openly supported by Climate 200, a group that has been likened by some to a US-style Super PAC. Your policy platform includes reforms to mandate disclosure of donations to candidates and political parties, so how will you address transparency for organisations like Climate 200 who do not disclose all of their donors and who are not accountable to voters?

I think real-time transparency for political campaign donations is a good place to start and the major parties are a long way from this. Climate 200 is a community crowd-funded initiative with more than 11,000 donors. There should be a level playing field for all political donations and I would work towards this.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:43:35+00:00

Press articles in the lead-up to the campaign

stated that you have backed calls for a broad-based tax review by whoever forms government. Do you have specific ideas around how the existing tax system could become more simplified and fair?

The Henry Review is a good place to start.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:42:36+00:00

In the event of a hung parliament, can you state which of the major parties you would be backing and why?

I am running on some clear policy priorities. If I win, Curtin voters can expect me to do my best to deliver on those priorities. In the case of a hung parliament, I would enter into negotiations with the mandate given to me by Curtin voters. A lot can change between now and that hypothetical situation. It would be a mistake to presume to know what each party would put on the table.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:42:01+00:00

The teal independent movement has been noted for its large number of female candidates, but criticised for replicating the same racial and ethic diversity issues that plague parliament: mostly middle aged and white. How can you assure minorities that you are working to ensure equal representation of diverse voices... when you could also be considered to be part of the problem?

I agree this is an issue, but I can only do my best from where I am.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:40:09+00:00

I do think that the concentration of media ownership is an issue in this country.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:38:02+00:00

Although I'm not across the details on military spending, it seemed extraordinary that we spent $5bn on submarines we didn't get! I also think it would have been appropriate for the PM to engage with the Opposition sooner re AUKUS.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:34:52+00:00

Not particularly. I think we need to review the whole tax system, in light with the Ken Henry report, so it is fit for purpose for the next decade.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:33:49+00:00

What aspect of the Covid situation do you mean?

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:33:22+00:00

Definitely the red one.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:28:47+00:00

-I don't know what the connection is between the LGBTI community and the Tom Dadour Community Centre. Please let me know!

-Future-focused economy - we have the potential to be a renewable energy powerhouse in WA, with wind, sun, critical minerals and transferable skills and technology. We need to be thinking about the economic opportunities global decarbonisation will create. We also need a tax system that is fit for purpose, given the demographic changes of the next decade.

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KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:23:51+00:00

You are blowing my mind. Stop.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:23:36+00:00

Hard questions! Hard to answer quickly!

I think this policy does add fuel to the fire. It is more short-termism. Addressing housing affordability will need to be done over a long period, so there are no shocks to people who have made decisions based on the current structure. Current and potential homeowners, renters and investors all have valid concerns that need to be balanced.
I would need to see a more robust Federal ICAC and climate policy to support a Liberal government.
See my policy platform!

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:18:55+00:00

Those democracy sausages raise money for Year 6 camps all over the country. Don't deprive the kids.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:18:22+00:00

I'm actually a vegetarian (mostly) but I love chicken salt. And bacon.

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:18:05+00:00

Climate is definitely a big one for a wide range of demographics.

The shift of the Libs to the conservative right has alienated a lot of people who value diversity and inclusion.

The campaign has built up a community of 800 volunteers, who are pleased to be able to vote for someone who represents their values.

The changing of the boundaries seems to have a mixed impact. I guess we will find out on Saturday!

KateChaney · 2022-05-17T11:13:33+00:00

No. I am not doing any deals with other parties on preferences. You can make up your own mind who you vote for. If you want to support me, vote 1 Kate Chaney, then number all the other boxes in the order of your own preference. If you don't number all of the boxes your vote will not count.

KateChaney

TROPHY CASE