Ged Kearney
ALP Federal

Assistant Minister for Social Services

Safe

9.72% Margin

Elected 2018

8 years

Member for Cooper (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Ged was born in East Melbourne in 1963 and grew up in the inner suburb of Richmond. Her father was a publican and she was one of nine children.

Ged attained a Bachelor of Education from La Trobe University and became a registered nurse at Mercy Private Hospital in 1985. She worked in both public and private settings as a nurse. In 2000, Ged worked as a deputy director of nursing at the Clinical Nursing Education Department before moving into the unions in 2002, where she became assistant ...

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Portfolios

  • Assistant Minister for Social Services
  • Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

Key Staff

  • Robbie Stephen

    Chief of Staff

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

  • Gabriel Steger

    Adviser

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

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First Speech in Parliament

21 May 2018

# Indigenous Rights # Healthcare and Aged Care # Women and Family Policy # Workers' Rights # Education and Training # Climate Action # Refugee Policy # Union Solidarity # Community Engagement # Economic Justice

Personal Background and Values

  • Grew up in a large family with strong community and feminist values, influenced by parents who ran a pub and engaged in community support.
  • Commitment to solidarity as a guiding principle derived from personal experiences in nursing and community activism.

Policy Focus

  • Advocates for the implementation of the Uluru Statement and a First Nations voice in Parliament.
  • Strongly supports paid parental leave, quality childcare, and financial security for families based on personal challenges as a working mother.
  • Emphasises the need for a robust public healthcare system and a properly funded TAFE system, drawing on her nursing background.

Economic and Social Justice

  • Criticises privatisation in healthcare and the impact of corporate profits on working Australians; calls for fair wage policies and support for unions.
  • Discusses the importance of humane refugee policies and international aid, arguing for increased contributions to assist our neighbours and address climate change impacts.

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FAQ

Robbie Stephen is Ged Kearney's Chief of Staff.

Ged Kearney represents the electorate of Cooper (VIC) in the Australian Parliament.

Ged Kearney is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

National rollout of sexual violence legal services pilot now complete

Media Release • 15 May

Social Services Social Services Sector Courts and Tribunals

AI Summary

  • The national pilot programme is part of a $21.4 million response to the Australian Law Reform Commission's report on sexual violence.
  • Victoria's Justice Navigator pilot will enhance referral pathways and support for victims navigating the legal system.
  • The initiative aligns with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and aims to reduce barriers for victims seeking justice.
  • Government officials emphasise the importance of supporting victims with dignity and respect throughout their legal journey.

Assistant Minister Kearney interview on JOY 94.9

Media Release • 9 May

Health Social Services Social Services Sector Gambling Mental Health

AI Summary

  • The Albanese government has initiated a national conversation to improve men's mental health and encourage earlier support-seeking behaviours among boys and men.
  • Social norms around masculinity discourage emotional expression, contributing to isolation and mental health issues, especially among young men.
  • Programs like the Tough Guy Book Club and Men's Table are being highlighted as effective ways to foster social connection and support for men of all ages.

In Parliament

FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Tough Guy Book Club

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Members highlighted the importance of community engagement through initiatives like the Tough Guy Book Club.
  • The book club aims to foster discussions around mental health and resilience among men.
  • Participants share personal stories and experiences, creating a supportive environment.

FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Union Aid Abroad—Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 3 March

AI Summary

  • Union Aid Abroad reported on Australian contributions to global health and education initiatives.
  • The importance of community support for development projects was stressed.
  • The role of the Australian people in fostering international aid was highlighted.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 21 May 2026

International Relations

The images of those on the Sumud Flotilla being detained by Israeli authorities are deeply distressing. The actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir, who Australia has sanctioned, and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained, are absolutely shocking. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed Australia’s Ambassador to Israel has made representations to Israel, reiterating our call for the release of detained Australians, that no detainees are ill-treated, and that Israel acts in line with its international obligations. She has also directed DFAT to call in Israel’s Ambassador to Australia to reinforce this message.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 20 May 2026

National Volunteer Week is a reminder that even the smallest act of giving back can make a huge difference. Whether it’s helping out at a local sports club, cooking meals for people doing it tough, supporting a community garden, checking in on neighbours or volunteering at your child’s school, there’s so many ways to get involved. Volunteering is good for communities in need, but it’s also really good for the soul. It gives people purpose, builds friendships and strengthens the connections that turn neighbourhoods into communities.
Open Post

Posted on X • 31 January 2025

This is not a political football - this is about ensuring the best practice of care for trans and gender diverse children and adolescents.
Open Post

Posted on X • 1 March 2024

@SkyNewsAust B B. Bb. B n n no
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 19 May 2026

Housing and Homelessness Housing & Homelessness

There’s been a lot of noise around the Federal Budget, but something really important announced last week didn’t get nearly enough attention. I was recently given the most beautiful artwork by Atlas, reflecting on their experience of youth homelessness and the journey from pain to healing through finally finding a home. No young person should ever have to experience homelessness. The fear and uncertainty of not knowing where you’ll sleep that night is heartbreaking. Over the years, I’ve op...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 18 May 2026

Happy National Volunteers Week! This year’s theme is “Your Year to Volunteer” - a reminder that there’s a place for everyone to get involved and make a difference in their community. I recently visited SecondBite FareShare ’s Abbotsford kitchen and saw firsthand the incredible work volunteers are doing to support our community; preparing around 6,000 meals every single day. Over the next year, that kitchen alone will help provide more than one million meals to people doing it tough. It was...
Open Post