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...
Portfolios
- Assistant Minister for Social Services
- Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
Key Staff
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Robbie Stephen
Chief of Staff
****@****.gov.au
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Gabriel Steger
Adviser
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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.
FAQ
Latest Updates
Media Releases
Assistant Minister Kearney interview on Alice Springs Drive with Nat Tencic
Media Release • 21 July
Indigenous Affairs Health Social Services Child Protection Domestic Violence Social Services Sector Indigenous Affairs - General
AI Summary
- The Federal government is consulting with stakeholders in Alice Springs to develop a second action plan aimed at preventing violence against women and children, especially in Indigenous communities.
- Key focuses include increasing resources for prevention, early intervention, and supporting community-led initiatives to address domestic violence.
- Concerns were raised regarding the Northern Territory government's proposed changes to child protection laws, which may weaken the Aboriginal placement principle and negatively impact vulnerable children.
Redefining Manhood – The Saturday Paper
Media Release • 18 July
Health Domestic Violence Mental Health
AI Summary
- Kearney shares personal experiences growing up with traditional notions of masculinity, illustrating how these shaped her father's relationship with their family.
- Modern fathers are reportedly more involved in parenting than previous generations, yet many young Australians still feel pressured to conform to outdated masculine ideals.
- Rigid masculinity contributes to mental health issues in men and is linked to violence against women, necessitating a cultural shift towards compassion and emotional openness.
- The Healthy Men Community Conversations Project aims to support men's mental and physical health, while also addressing the prevention of violence against women and children.
- Kearney emphasises that redefining manhood can benefit both men and women, advocating for a society where seeking help is normalised.
In Parliament
FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
1st Preston Scout and Community Centre, Endangered Species: Flying Foxes
Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 4 June
Environment Social Services Conservation Social Services Sector
AI Summary
- The 1st Preston Scout and Community Centre has been transformed with over $545,000 from the Albanese Labor government, creating a modern hub for Scouts and community use.
- Scouting fosters essential skills in young people, providing them with a sense of belonging and community engagement.
- Celebration of 20 years of the flying fox soft release program at Yarra Bend Park, highlighting its impact on wildlife conservation and the role of dedicated volunteers.
MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Taxation
Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 3 June
Housing and Homelessness Fair Work Income Tax Housing & Homelessness Economy Property
AI Summary
- Advocates for a fair tax system, criticising the coalition for opposing tax cuts and keeping wages low.
- Praises recent wage increases and tax relief measures that support working Australians amidst rising costs.
- Promotes housing reforms aimed at helping first home buyers and directing investment towards new housing supply.
Social Media
Posted on Facebook • 22 July 2026
Posted on Facebook • 21 July 2026
Posted on X • 31 January 2025
Posted on X • 1 March 2024
Posted on LinkedIn • 18 July 2026
Posted on LinkedIn • 14 July 2026
Domestic Violence
