Kate Doust
Catherine Esther Doust (born 27 May 1962) is an Australian politician who has been a Labor Party member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia since 2001, representing South Metropolitan Region. She has been President of the Legislative Council since 2017, the first woman to hold the position.
Kate Doust | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President of the Legislative Council of Western Australia | |
| Assumed office 23 May 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Barry House |
| Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia | |
| Assumed office 22 May 2001 | |
| Constituency | South Metropolitan Region |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 May 1962 Kalgoorlie, Western Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse(s) | Bill Johnston |
| Alma mater | University of Western Australia |
Early life
Doust was born in Kalgoorlie and attended the University of Western Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. From 1984, she worked as an official with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, including as a board member and treasurer for periods. She also served as a vice-president of UnionsWA.[1]
Political career
Doust entered parliament at the 2001 state election, standing in the second position on Labor's ticket in South Metropolitan Region. She was made deputy chairman of committees in the Legislative Council shortly after being elected, and after the 2005 state election was made a parliamentary secretary, holding that position in the ministries of Geoff Gallop and Alan Carpenter. Doust was elected deputy leader of the Labor Party in the Legislative Council after the 2008 state election. She has served in the shadow cabinet under both Eric Ripper and Mark McGowan.[2] Doust's husband, Bill Johnston, is also a member of parliament, although they were married years before either of them were elected.[1]
Doust was elected President of the Legislative Council on 23 May 2017, in doing so becoming the first female President of the Council in history.[3]
References
- Catherine (Kate) Esther Doust, Biographical Register of Members of the Parliament of Western Australia. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
- Hon. Catherine (Kate) Esther Doust MLC, Parliament of Western AUstralia. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
- "Labor MP Kate Doust becomes WA's first female Upper House president". ABC News. 23 May 2017.