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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| Assumed office 21 August 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Margaret May |
| Majority | 9.34% (18,127) |
| 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 August 23, 1960) is an Australian politician. She served as a minister in the Australian government, including as the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology from 2018 to 2021. She was also the Minister for Home Affairs from 2021 to 2022.
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 and helped solve problems between workers and employers.
In 2023, Karen Andrews announced that she plans to retire from politics at the next federal election.
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Early Life and Education
Karen Andrews was born in Brisbane, Australia, on August 23, 1960. She grew up in Townsville and went to Townsville Grammar School.
She studied Mechanical Engineering at the Queensland Institute of Technology. She was one of the first two women to graduate from the engineering program there. After finishing her studies, she worked as a drafter and in power plant maintenance.
Later, she moved to Victoria and worked in the oil industry. While working, she also earned a diploma in industrial relations from Victoria University. This helped her represent employers in discussions with their employees.
In the mid-1990s, Karen Andrews worked for the Victorian Department of Health. She later started her own business. Her business helped people solve disagreements in the workplace without going to court. In 2002, she moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Political Career
In 2009, Karen Andrews was chosen by the Liberal National Party of Queensland to run for the federal seat of McPherson. She won the election in 2010 and became a member of the Australian Parliament.
In 2012, she helped start the Parliamentary Friends of Science group. This group helps connect politicians with the world of science. From 2013 to 2015, she led a committee that looked at public works projects.
Serving as a Government Minister
In December 2014, Karen Andrews became a parliamentary secretary. This was a step up in her political career. Her role was to assist the Minister for Industry and Science. In 2015, her title changed to Assistant Minister for Science.
In 2016, she became the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills. This role focused on training people for specific jobs and trades.
In 2018, Karen Andrews was promoted to Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. She was sworn into this important role on August 28, 2018.
As the science minister, she announced new funding for clean energy research. She also supported research into artificial intelligence and the Australian Space Agency. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in helping the government respond. She worked to reassure the public and manage supplies of essential goods.
Political Views
Karen Andrews has described herself as a feminist. This means she believes in equal rights and opportunities for women.
In 2018, she stated that coal would continue to be an important part of Australia's energy supply.
In 2020, she said that it was time to move past arguments about climate change. She believed that focusing on solutions and strategies for adapting to climate change was more important. She said, "Every second that we spend talking about whether or not the climate is changing is a second that we are not spending on looking at adaptation [and] mitigation strategies."
In 2023, Karen Andrews expressed disappointment that only one woman was a potential candidate for a by-election in the Fadden area. She has often spoken about the need for more women in the Liberal party.
Personal Life
Karen Andrews is married to Chris, and they have three daughters.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2021
