Katy Gallagher
ALP Federal

Minister for Finance

Elected 2019

7 years

Senator for ACT (ACT)

Federal - ACT

Katy was born in 1970 in Canberra and has spent her entire life living in the city. She grew up in the Weston Creek area and was educated at Melrose High and Stirling College.

Katy graduated from the Australian National University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology. She began her career as a community worker from 1993 to 1998, working for People First ACT, a disability advocacy organisation, and later at the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). Katy jo...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Finance
  • Minister for Women
  • Minister for the Public Service
  • Vice-President of the Executive Council
  • Minister for Government Services

Committees

  • Cabinet: Expenditure Review
  • Cabinet: Government Communications
  • Cabinet: National Security
  • Cabinet: Parliamentary Business
  • Cabinet: Priority and Delivery
  • Procedure
  • Selection of Bills
  • Cabinet: National Security Investment

Key Staff

  • Patrick Cronan

    Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Amy Haddad

    Senior Women's Adviser

    ****@****.gov.au

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

17 June 2015

# Disability Rights # Healthcare Access # Women's Representation # Climate Action # Affordable Housing # Public Service Reform # Indigenous Recognition # Economic Resilience # Community Development # Union Support

Personal Background

  • Grew up in Canberra after parents emigrated from the UK; instilled with values of kindness and community contribution.
  • Experienced a diverse childhood, shaping her perspective and commitment to social justice.
  • Single mother who returned to politics motivated by issues relevant to families and women.

Work Experience and Values

  • Over a decade in the community sector advocating for disability rights and the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act.
  • Former Chief Minister of the ACT, focusing on infrastructure, social inclusion, and economic growth, particularly in healthcare and education.
  • Strong supporter of the Labor Party, emphasising the need for reform and representation, particularly for women and underrepresented communities.

Policy Goals and Future Agenda

  • Advocates for universal access to healthcare and education, affordable housing, and fair wages.
  • Calls for a review of democratic rights for the ACT and the need to remove constraints on self-governance.
  • Stresses the importance of addressing issues like climate change, housing affordability, and chronic disease through informed leadership and community engagement.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Patrick Cronan is Katy Gallagher's Chief of Staff.

Katy Gallagher represents the Senate seat of Australian Capital Territory in the Australian Parliament.

Katy Gallagher is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES FUEL SECURITY RESPONSE APPROPRIATION BILLS

Media Release • 30 March

Energy Petroleum

AI Summary

  • Introduction of the 2025–26 Fuel Security Response Appropriation Bills by the Albanese Government.
  • Establishment of a $2 billion Advance to the Finance Minister for urgent fuel security responses.
  • Funds divided into two Bills: $800 million in Bill No. 1 and $1.2 billion in Bill No. 2.
  • Funding will only be drawn if necessary, with strict transparency and accountability measures in place.
  • The Government seeks accelerated passage of the Bills to ensure readiness before the financial year's end.

Government introduces Fuel Security Response Appropriation Bills

Media Release • 30 March

Energy Petroleum

AI Summary

  • The Albanese Government introduces the 2025–26 Fuel Security Response Appropriation Bills to address potential fuel security issues before the financial year ends.
  • The Bills allocate $2 billion through an Advance to the Finance Minister, with $800 million in Bill No. 1 and $1.2 billion in Bill No. 2.
  • Access to funds is limited to specific entities and includes strong transparency measures, allowing for swift response to fuel challenges.

In Parliament

COMMITTEES › A Certain Maritime Incident Select Committee, Adopting Artificial Intelligence Select Committee, Community Affairs References Committee, Constitutional Recognition relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Joint Select Committee, Education and Employment Legislation Committee, Environment and Communications References Committee, Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Finance and Public Administration References Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Human Rights Joint Committee, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, Northern Australia Joint Committee, Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities Select Committee

Government Response to Report

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 1 April

Indigenous Affairs Arts and Culture Native Title

AI Summary

  • The Australian Federal Parliament's committees have provided a government response to a significant report.
  • Key committees involved include the Community Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Human Rights committees.
  • The response addresses various legislative and social issues raised in the report.

COMMITTEES › Impact of the Conflict in Iran Select Committee

Appointment

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 1 April

AI Summary

  • New members appointed to the Impact of the Conflict in Iran Select Committee.
  • Focus on addressing issues arising from the conflict in Iran.
  • Committee aims to analyse the implications of the situation.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 3 April 2026

Health

Labor's Medicare Urgent Care Clinics aren't taking a break this long weekend, just in case you need them. Head to the comments for a list of locations ⬇️
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 1 April 2026

Planning your walk before sunset. Rushing home before it gets dark. Choosing where you go based on lighting. That’s the reality so many Canberra women shared with me. That’s why I’m proud to be delivering $10 million to upgrade the lighting around Lake Burley Griffin and the surrounds — it’ll make a big difference for the women who exercise in this space.
Open Post

Posted on X • 16 March 2025

Domestic Violence

Violence against women in any form must be called out and condemned and the perpetrators must be held to account for their behaviour. If you are impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence and need support, it is available 24/7 by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Open Post

Posted on X • 16 March 2025

The footage of a violent act against a woman that aired on 60 Minutes tonight is horrifying. The culture towards women on worksites also shown on the program is completely unacceptable.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 20 March 2026

Congratulations to this year’s Canberra Citizen of the Year, Tendayi Ganga, whose work with Born To Shine is helping women and girls across our community through mentorship, financial empowerment, and skills development. Thank you for your contribution, Tendayi. I can't wait to see what you do next!
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 19 March 2026

Superannuation

Labor is making really important changes to support women and young people save for retirement. From 1 July 2027, the Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset will increase to $810 and the eligibility threshold will rise to $45,000 — bringing 1.3 million more Australians into scope, including 750,000 women and 550,000 young people under 30. The workers who stand to benefit include over 100,000 sales assistants, over 50,000 administrative workers, and over 50,000 aged and disability carers. The ...
Open Post