Catherine King (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine King
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Official portrait, 2022
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| Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government | |
| Assumed office 1 June 2022 |
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| Prime Minister | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Barnaby Joyce |
| Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories | |
| In office 1 July 2013 – 18 September 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Kevin Rudd |
| Preceded by | Anthony Albanese |
| Succeeded by | Warren Truss |
| Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories Minister for Road Safety |
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| In office 25 March 2013 – 1 July 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Julia Gillard |
| Preceded by | Jim Lloyd |
| Succeeded by | Sharon Bird |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Ballarat |
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| Assumed office 10 November 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Ronaldson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 June 1966 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse | Mark Karlovic |
| Children | 1 |
| Residence | Ballarat, Victoria |
| Alma mater | Australian National University, Phillip Institute of Technology |
| Signature |  |
Catherine Fiona King (born 2 June 1966) is an important Australian politician. She has been the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government since June 2022. She is also a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Ballarat since 2001. Catherine King is a member of the Australian Labor Party, which is one of Australia's major political parties.
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Early Life and Education
Catherine King was born in Melbourne, Australia, on 2 June 1966. She went to primary school in Burwood East and Glen Waverley. Later, she completed her high school education at Emmaus College.
She studied at the Phillip Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She then went to the Australian National University and completed a Master of Public Policy. In 2018, she also earned a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University. By 2021, she was officially allowed to work as a lawyer in Victoria.
From Social Work to Public Service
Catherine King started her career helping people as a social worker. From 1988 to 1992, she worked at Ballarat Children's Homes and Family Services. In 1991, she was recognized as the Victorian Young Achiever of the Year for her work in community services. That same year, she spent six months working in Birmingham, England, which helped her decide to enter politics later on.
After her social work, Catherine joined the Australian Public Service. This means she worked for the Australian government. She worked on food policy and later in the Department of Health and Aged Care. She held important roles there, including helping to prevent injuries. Before entering politics, she also worked in the private sector as a senior manager for a company called KPMG.
Her Journey in Politics
Catherine King joined the Australian Labor Party in 1993. She worked for a short time as a research officer for a politician named Andrew Theophanous. From 1998 to 1999, she was the president of her local Labor Party branch in Port Melbourne. In 2000, she was chosen to run for election in the area of Ballarat.
Starting in Parliament
In the 2001 federal election, Catherine King won her seat in Ballarat. She was the only Labor candidate to win a seat from the Liberal Party in that election. This was a big achievement for her. She continued to win her seat in every federal election that followed, including in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016.
After the 2004 election, she was given a role as a "Shadow Parliamentary Secretary." This means she was part of the opposition team, preparing to take on a government role if her party won.
Serving in Government
When the Labor Party won the election in 2007, Catherine King's role became even more important. She was re-elected for her third term, and her support from voters grew. In the 2010 election, her support increased even more.
In September 2010, she was appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, and for Infrastructure and Transport. This meant she was helping the Ministers in these areas. In March 2013, she was promoted to a full Minister. She became the Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, and the Minister for Road Safety. Later in 2013, she was promoted again to the Australian Cabinet as the Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories.
Working in Opposition
After the Labor government lost the 2013 federal election, Catherine King kept her seat in Parliament. She was then appointed as the "Shadow Minister for Health." A Shadow Minister is a member of the opposition party who watches over a specific government department. They prepare to take on that role if their party wins the next election.
She was re-elected in the 2016 federal election and continued as the Shadow Minister for Health. After the 2019 election, she became the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development.
Back in Government
In the 2022 federal election, the Labor Party won, and Anthony Albanese became the Prime Minister. Catherine King was then appointed as the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. In this role, she is responsible for important areas like roads, public transport, and supporting communities across Australia.
