Ged Kearney
ALP Federal

Assistant Minister for Social Services

Safe

9.72% Margin

Elected 2018

7 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

  • Gabriel Steger

    Adviser

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

  • Robbie Stephen

    Chief of Staff

    ****@****.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

Bundle of joy for new parents as Paid Parental Leave changes to arrive Tuesday

Media Release • 27 June

Social Services Superannuation Social Services Sector

AI Summary

  • Paid Parental Leave increases from 22 to 24 weeks from 1 July 2025, with a further extension to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026.
  • Parents can now take 4 weeks of leave simultaneously, up from 2 weeks.
  • Superannuation contributions will be paid on Paid Parental Leave, addressing retirement income concerns for women.
  • Weekly payment rate increases from $915.80 to $948.10, resulting in a total increase of $775.20 over the 24 weeks.
  • Government ministers highlight the importance of these reforms for financial security and gender equality.

TRANSCRIPT - PRESS CONFERENCE - JUNO, PRESTON

Media Release • 11 June

Health Housing and Homelessness Social Services Technology Domestic Violence Social Services Sector Telecommunications Housing & Homelessness

AI Summary

  • Ged Kearney introduced a new telco industry standard to protect victims of family and domestic violence.
  • The standard mandates confidentiality for sensitive calls and prohibits engagement with perpetrators over telco issues.
  • Victims will receive faster resolutions for issues and improved staff training at telecommunications companies.

In Parliament

FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONDOLENCES

Crowley, Hon. Dr Rosemary Anne AO

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Hon. Dr Rosemary Anne Crowley AO honoured in the Federation Chamber during a condolence motion.
  • Recognised for her substantial contributions to Australian society and politics.
  • Tributes reflect her impact on various sectors and her legacy.

FEDERATION CHAMBER › MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples: 17th Anniversary

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 13 February

Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • The 17th anniversary of the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples was marked in the Federation Chamber.
  • Speakers reflected on the ongoing impacts of the Apology and the importance of reconciliation.
  • A call to action was made for further progress on Indigenous rights and recognition.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 4 July 2025

Housing and Homelessness Housing & Homelessness

All of us know too well that Australia has a housing problem. Our crisis is all too keenly felt by those financially struggling or fleeing violence. Here’s an update on some of the work that’s being done by the Albanese Labor Government.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 3 July 2025

Social Services Domestic Violence

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, in their relationships, and in their community. Today in Adelaide, Tanya Plibersek and I met with frontline family violence service workers. We discussed how we need to do more than just respond to violence, but prevent it too. We need to support the healthy development of our young people - especially our boys. Thank you to every worker and advocate fighting for change and supporting families when they need it most.
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

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Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 3 July 2025

Social Services Domestic Violence

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, in their relationships, and in their community. Today in Adelaide, Tanya Plibersek and I met with frontline family violence service workers. We discussed how we need to do more than just respond to violence, but prevent it too. We need to support the healthy development of our young people - especially our boys. Thank you to every worker and advocate fighting for change and supporting families when they need it most.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 2 July 2025

Dardi Munwurro works alongside Aboriginal men and families to break cycles of trauma, improve men’s wellbeing, strengthen culture and create safer communities. Dan Repacholi and I visited them in Cooper today to see how they work with men to heal and grow — changing lives, families and futures. A huge thank you to the Dardi Munwurro team for your tireless dedication and care.
Open Post