Katy Gallagher
ALP Federal

Minister for Finance

Elected 2019

7 years

Senator for Australian Capital Territory (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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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.

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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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Media Releases

$8.2 MILLION TO HELP CANBERRANS ELECTRIFY THEIR HOMES

Media Release • 17 September

Energy Energy Efficiency Renewables Climate Change

AI Summary

  • 'Go Electric' digital tool launched to assist Canberrans in home electrification upgrades.
  • Trial will involve up to 1,000 households in Canberra's southern suburbs, backed by $8.2 million from ARENA.
  • Focus on transitioning from gas to electricity, improving heating, cooling, and appliances.
  • Project aims to provide practical insights for scaling home electrification.
  • Supports broader initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and reduce household costs.

AI Summary

  • Australia ranks 8th in the 2026 Global Gender Gap Report, its highest position ever out of 148 countries.
  • The Albanese Government's actions include lifting wages in female-dominated sectors and expanding Paid Parental Leave to six months.
  • Women now hold the majority in Cabinet and there is increased representation in Parliament.
  • Australia improved from 43rd to 8th in global rankings since the Albanese Government took office, marking a 35-place jump.
  • The Index assesses measures such as political representation, economic participation, educational attainment, and health.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Gender Equality

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 17 September

Social Services Social Services Sector

AI Summary

  • The minister highlighted the government's initiative to address unpaid child support, which totals nearly $2 billion across Australia.
  • Emphasis was placed on the impact of financial abuse on children and families in the context of relationship breakdowns.
  • Legislative reforms aim to ensure that children are not left in poverty due to parental disputes.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Gender Equality

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 17 September

Health Cancer Health Funding Medicines

AI Summary

  • Senator Gallagher emphasised the ongoing need for gender equality, noting that women and girls still face unequal treatment in various sectors.
  • The government has made a historic investment in women's health, including a new breast cancer drug now listed on the PBS, significantly reducing its cost.
  • Hundreds of thousands of women have benefited from new contraceptives and menopause treatments, saving substantial amounts on prescriptions.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 17 September 2026

This happened in the Senate this week and I think you should know about it.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 17 September 2026

Some really good news you might have missed.
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 • 17 September 2026

Superannuation

In 2021, Australia ranked 50th in the world for gender equality. In 2025, we ranked 13th. Today, we’re 8th. Top 10 for the first time. This didn’t happen by accident. Since, we came into government, we have been systematically addressing the challenges facing women in this country. Whether it be lifting wages in female-dominated industries, improving retirement outcomes through expanded paid parental leave with superannuation and investing in women’s health. We are methodically working...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 8 September 2026

Congratulations to these four incredible Canberrans! From healthcare, to industry to system reform. These four Canberrans represent the best of our city and their contributions make a real difference to so many in our community. I can’t wait to see what you all do next!
Open Post