Kate Worden: Valuing community
“I bring a grassroots perspective to decision making and ensure any proposals or policies put Territorians first”
Almost 100 years ago, Edith Cowan became the first woman elected to an Australian parliament, in March 1921.
In Her Seat is asking as many currently serving female politicians as we can how they view gender equality, politics and their impact.
This is a non-partisan project that is soliciting contributions from women in all parties, or none at all, in every parliament.
Kate Worden is the Member for Sanderson in the Northern Territory Parliament and Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing; Disabilities; Sport; and, Multicultural Affairs.
Kate was first elected in 2016, defeating the Deputy Chief Minister of the Government.
Kate first came to the Northern Territory in 1985, first living in Ngukurr which inspired her to complete a degree in Indigenous Affairs at university. She worked in a range of Northern Territory Government departments from 1995, including directly for ministers and a Chief Minister.
Before Parliament, Kate served on the City of Darwin Council as an elected Alderman for almost four years and was active in the Labor Party.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality is about there being no challenges or impediment, nor advantages or disadvantages for women (or men) to gain a role or move through life.
It means women being seen across every community and every level of government as equals — in intelligence and their ability to contribute, to have a say.
It’s about ensuring that women and men are valued equally in every stage of life.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
I think Julia Gillard was a phenomenal leader. When she was the federal Education Minister I was fortunate to be in a room with her with all the state and territory Education Ministers.
She demonstrated great integrity, intelligence and masterfully balanced out a room to get to decisions. She was calm yet energetic and could capture and develop the input of many (from various points of view) to get buy-in and a consensus.
What inspired you to serve your community?
I have been involved as a volunteer across various sports and organisations for more than 20 years. I was first drawn to Council as I didn’t know my local Council members — they had never made their presence known unless it was an election — so I thought that it was a level where things could be done and community connections were important/valued.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
I like to think I am demonstrating, through my actions, that not all Politicians are driven by money and that we have integrity and serve our community first.
I am always talking about my electorate in parliament and ensure they are at the front of my local decisions and advocacy.
In terms of my role as a Minister, I bring a grassroots perspective to decision making and ensure any proposals or policies put Territorians first.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
The Territory is punching above its weight for female representation.
We need more senior women in the Federal space and on the front bench.
We need to ensure that women are equally valued in Canberra.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
