Pathways to Politics for Women

Kate Huntington is a strategic engagement and communications executive with extensive expertise in driving transformational change.

She commenced her career in the Australian Public Service working in Indigenous policy roles in Canberra and the Northern Territory and was an adviser to the Hon Jenny Macklin MP during the Rudd and Gillard governments.

Since Kate joined the University in 2015, her roles have included Communications Manager for the Northern Transformation Program and Director of Government Relations.

As Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Kate oversees the University’s approach to internal and external communications, government relations and stakeholder engagement.

Sarah is a strategic leader with over seventeen years’ business leadership experience in social innovation, gender equity, ESG integration and responsible investing.

Sarah is currently Chief of Staff for Carol Schwartz AO and CEO of the Trawalla Foundation, and she is the National Co-Convenor of Pathways to Politics for Women.

Sarah has been a sought-after sustainability consultant to major Australian companies, led PwC's award-winning Corporate Responsibility team, and held senior roles creating innovative new businesses including PwC’s Indigenous Consulting.

Katy is an experienced facilitator with a strong background in strategy, futures thinking and systems design.

Her extensive career includes work within financial services, retail, tourism and hospitality, not-for-profit service and health providers, education and local government. Katy runs a successful consulting business and is a director on numerous boards including St Lukes Health.

She also facilitates the Tasmanian Leaders flagship leadership program. Katy is a passionate Tasmanian who is dedicated to building the capability and capacity for Tasmania to adapt to uncertain and complex futures.

Lara Giddings AO was born in Papua New Guinea in 1972. Her interest in politics began at the tender age of three, so it is perhaps not surprising that after completing her high school years, she studied Arts and Law at the University of Tasmania, while also campaigning for her first State election.

In 1996, she became the youngest woman ever elected to an Australian Parliament, serving as a Shadow Minister. She worked as the Whips Clerk in the Senate, overseas for a Scottish Member of Parliament and then back in Tasmania in the Premier’s office before being re-elected in the seat of Franklin, previously held by her mentor, Hon. Fran Bladel. Lara held the portfolios of Attorney-General, Health and Treasury before becoming Tasmania’s first female Premier, a role she held from 2011 to 2014.

She retired from parliament in 2018 after giving birth to her first child, Natasha, and became the CEO of AMA Tasmania in March 2019.

Hon Sarah Courtney is an experienced leader whose current roles include Chair of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association, Director of the Australian Wine Research Institute, Chair of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s Women in Leadership Program and Chair of Theatre North.

Sarah was a Minister in the Tasmanian Government until her retirement from Parliament in February 2022. During her tenure, Sarah was responsible for a number of senior portfolios, including as Minister for Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to her involvement in politics, Sarah was based in Sydney and worked for almost a decade in institutional stockbroking and funds management.  In 2010, Sarah moved to Tasmania and established a boutique vineyard in the Tamar Valley, growing Pinot Noir.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Master's in Wine Technology and Viticulture and is a Graduate of the ACID.

Helen Burnet is an Independent Member for Clark in the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

Helen spent 19 years on Hobart City Council, including seven as Deputy Lord Mayor, before she was elected to Parliament in 2024.

Helen worked as a podiatrist, spending most of her career working in the public health system. She’s a proud campaigner for workers’ rights and served as a delegate for the allied health professionals’ sub-branch of the Health and Community Services Union.

Helen has long advocated for good planning and urban design, preventive health solutions such as active transport and community wellbeing, along with environmental protection and climate action.

Kristi Chapple is the Deputy Mayor of the Break O’Day Council, where she is currently in her second term as a councillor. In that time she has built a reputation for a practical, community-focused approach to local government.

Alongside her council role, Kristi has worked in real estate for more than a decade. She completed her Diploma of Property Services (Agency management) with the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania in 2015 and is now an Executive Assistant to Sales at LJ Hooker in St Helens.

Kristi has been an active volunteer in local sport as a trainer and statistician, supporting community teams and contributing to the East Coast’s strong sporting culture.

Kristi’s service consistently reflects a commitment to making Break O’Day a thriving and connected place to live.