Senator for the Australian Capital Territory
Minister for Sport
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation
Kate's family moved to Canberra when she was 7 and she has been a proud Canberra resident ever since.
When Kate was 16 she left school to become a builder's labourer. Her job was removing asbestos from buildings, which led Kate to develop an ongoing concern for workplace health and safety. This ultimately saw her become active in advocating for workers' rights as an organiser and official in the Building Workers Industrial Union.
“The ideal of equality in society and a fair go for all sums up the Australian psyche. That sense of purpose that comes with improving the lot of others is something that I will not let go.”
Kate was elected to represent the ACT in the Senate in 1996, and her passion for technology saw her become the first Australian politician to establish a website. She believes that technology has immense potential to empower people and Kate was named as one of 25 global leaders in government online innovation by the International Centre for E-Democracy and Politics Online.
A very active sportswoman, Kate plays hockey, soccer and rows as often as she can while relishing the role as Minister for Sport. Kate also enjoys gardening, painting and spending time with her family.