Welcome to the second profile in our new Women’s Agenda ‘Let’s Get Political’ series where we’re speaking to women across the country about their political engagement, how they started and what they do to ‘get political’.
This time, we’re hearing from Kathy McKenzie. Kathy’s political story started in 2011 through her concern with a local coal seam gas project. She is now heavily involved with the incredible Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends.
Let’s hear from Kathy – and don’t miss her very useful list outlining how she gets political (some inspiration there for all of us)…
Thanks for joining us Kathy. First, please tell us about the ‘aha’ moment that ignited your interest in getting political? What first motivated you?
My ‘aha’ moment came when exploration for coal seam gas (CSG) started in our area in 2011. My research found it to be a serious risk to water sources and to the environment, and yet both NSW major parties supported this new industry.
How did you take the all important first step?
My important first step was to inform the community and organise and promote a community rally. By chance, it coincided with PM Tony Abbott announcing that farmers had the right to refuse coal seam gas miners’ access to their land. The ABC needed footage for their Sunday evening news story. When the ABC helicopter landed at our protest, I cried! Up until then the government and the media had ignored my pleas to stop this industry.
The next day Tony Abbott revoked his announcement, but I had lots of calls from journalists wanting to visit Putty to interview me. If gas companies were allowed to drill metres away from a National Park, they could drill anywhere. And, they tried, even in Sydney. Eventually our community won and so did Sydney, but not without a fight.
What have you done? Tell us about your political journey.
My political journey started when I joined an unlikely alliance between Traditional Owners, farmers, scientists and environmentalists to campaign against CSG in NSW. After travelling to see the Queensland gasfields, I was more determined than ever.
Farmers were particularly concerned about the Narrabri Gas Project being in a recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. I grew up on a farm which relied on stock water from the Basin. I decided to research and write about this amazing water resource, and the effects mining has had on it.
I joined Sydney Knitting Nannas at protests against CSG outside Santos’ office every Friday in Martin Place. Unlike me, most Nannas had been protesting about environmental issues for years.
I was so naïve. When I found out about political donations, lobbyists and the revolving door of politicians and industry, I was so angry it conquered my fear of public speaking. I created a PowerPoint presentation and delivered it to environment groups.
In Martin Place, the Nannas had conversations with city workers and were abused regularly, “get a real job”. But, when smoke covered the city during the 2019-20 fires, passers-by ripped petitions out of our hands so they could sign. The effects of climate change were very real.
During Covid, Nannas held weekly Zoom meetings and continued to write letters and submissions against fossil fuels. We also learnt to use social media more effectively.
If you see a place, you want to protect it. A highlight of our Listening Tour to the Pilliga was a cultural day with a local Indigenous woman.
What do you do now to ‘get political’?
- Follow independent news
- Study candidates before I vote
- Encourage people, young and old, to learn about our system of government and get involved
- Contact friends in marginal seats at election time to find out what is happening in their area. Because I follow politics, many call me for advice on how to vote
- Write messaging points and explainers for Nannas to share with their MPs
- Visit and write to my MP
- Subscribe to local MPs newsletters
- Go to parliament house for functions and listen to parliament on special occasions to show my support or objection to bills
Why do you think it’s important to engage in politics and in our democracy?
If we don’t engage in politics, we have no right to complain, or to expect change. People power changes governments.
Please share a highlight you’ve experienced while getting political? What’s an event that stands out to you?
It’s always a highlight for me when I hear speeches at rallies by young people who are far better communicators than most politicians. They give me hope.
What’s something unexpected you’ve experienced when getting involved in politics?
I didn’t expect at my age to make new friends with so many intelligent, funny and adventurous women from all walks of life.
I am surprised by how much I have enjoyed learning about the political system, how to campaign, how to work with different people, and the importance of creativity and fun.
Now that you are political – what’s your overall view of the political landscape – and what weren’t you expecting?
I never expected the LNP to go so far to the right and to become the nasty ‘no-alition’, nor the ALP to go to the centre right and not care for humanity.
It’s now harder to achieve more diversity in our parliament because both major parties work together when they shouldn’t, and don’t when they should.
Please share advice for anyone thinking about ‘getting political’ – including a good first step to take?
I advise anyone thinking of getting political to follow your passion, find a like-minded group, learn, then get active. Do not be afraid to change your voting pattern.
Australia has one of the best democracies in the world. But, we must push to make it even better.
Thank you Kathy McKenzie for sharing your story for our Let’s Get Political profile series.
Kathy’s story again shows us that getting involved in politics is not only possible but also deeply rewarding, proving that democracy is not a spectator sport.
Now – how will you get political?
Also see other profiles in the Let’s Get Political series: