Karen Andrews facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karen Andrews
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Official portrait, 2021
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| Minister for Home Affairs | |
| In office 30 March 2021 – 23 May 2022 Serving with Scott Morrison
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| Prime Minister | Scott Morrison |
| Preceded by | Peter Dutton |
| Succeeded by | Jim Chalmers (interim) Clare O'Neil |
| Minister for Industry, Science and Technology | |
| In office 28 August 2018 – 30 March 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Scott Morrison |
| Preceded by | Arthur Sinodinos (2017) |
| Succeeded by | Christian Porter |
| Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills |
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| In office 19 July 2016 – 28 August 2018 |
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| Prime Minister | Malcolm Turnbull Scott Morrison |
| Preceded by | Scott Ryan |
| Succeeded by | Steve Irons (2019) |
| Assistant Minister for Science | |
| In office 23 December 2014 – 19 July 2016 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Craig Laundy |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for McPherson |
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| In office 21 August 2010 – 28 March 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Margaret May |
| Succeeded by | Leon Rebello |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Karen Lesley Weir
23 August 1960 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Political party | Liberal (LNP) |
| Spouse | Chris Andrews |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Queensland University of Technology; Victoria University |
| Occupation | Industrial relations advocate |
| Profession | Mechanical engineer |
Karen Lesley Andrews, born Karen Weir on August 23, 1960, is an Australian politician. She was a key minister in the Australian government. From 2018 to 2021, she was the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. Later, from 2021 to 2022, she served as the Minister for Home Affairs.
Karen Andrews is a member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland. She has represented the area of McPherson in Queensland since the 2010 federal election. Before becoming a politician, she worked as a mechanical engineer. She also worked as a consultant helping solve problems between workers and employers. In April 2023, Andrews announced that she would retire from politics at the 2025 federal election.
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Early Life and Education
Karen Andrews was born in Brisbane, Australia, on August 23, 1960. Her parents were William and Moya Weir. Her father served in World War II. He later became a leader in an organization for veterans with disabilities.
Andrews grew up in Townsville. She attended Townsville Grammar School. She then studied at the Queensland Institute of Technology. She earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She was one of the first two women to graduate from the engineering program there.
Career Before Politics
After college, Andrews worked as a drafter. She worked for the Queensland Electricity Generating Board. She also helped with plant maintenance at the Gladstone Power Station. Later, she moved to Victoria. There, she worked in the oil industry as a supervisor.
While working, she continued her education. She earned a graduate diploma in industrial relations from Victoria University. After this, she worked for a group that represented employers. She helped them in discussions with their employees.
In the mid-1990s, Andrews joined the Victorian Department of Health. She led their industrial branch. She later started her own business. Her company helped solve disagreements between people or groups. In 2002, she moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Political Journey
In October 2009, Karen Andrews was chosen by her party. She was selected to run for the federal seat of McPherson. This happened after the previous politician, Margaret May, retired. Andrews won against three other candidates. She kept the seat for her party in the 2010 federal election.
In 2012, Andrews helped start the Parliamentary Friends of Science group. She was a co-chair of this group. From 2013 to 2015, she led a committee on public works. She was also appointed to the speaker's panel in 2014.
Becoming a Government Minister
In December 2014, Andrews was promoted. She became a parliamentary secretary. This role supported the Minister for Industry and Science. In September 2015, her title changed to Assistant Minister for Science. This happened when Malcolm Turnbull became prime minister.
In July 2016, she was given a new role. She became the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills. This role focused on job training and skills.
In 2018, there were changes in the Liberal Party leadership. Andrews supported Scott Morrison. After Morrison became prime minister, Andrews was promoted again. She became the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. She officially started this role on August 28, 2018.
As Science Minister, Andrews made important announcements. She helped create a center for clean energy research. She also announced more money for artificial intelligence research. She supported the Australian Space Agency. During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role. She helped the government respond to the health crisis. She also worked to ensure people had enough food and supplies.
In March 2021, Andrews was appointed Minister for Home Affairs. This role involves national security and border protection. This change happened after a cabinet reshuffle.
Political Views
Karen Andrews has said she is a feminist. This means she believes in equal rights for women.
In 2018, she stated that coal would continue to be important for Australia's energy. In January 2020, she spoke about climate change. She said it was time to stop arguing about whether climate change is happening. Instead, she urged people to focus on solutions. She believes the focus should be on how to adapt and reduce its effects.
In 2023, Andrews expressed disappointment. Only one woman was a potential candidate for a by-election in the seat of Fadden. She has often criticized her party for not having enough women in politics.
Personal Life
Karen Andrews is married to Chris Andrews. They have three daughters. As of 2018, she owned several investment properties.
