Katy Gallagher

The new Finance Minister is now arguably the most senior federal representative ever for the ACT.

She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. And I think there's some saving they can make better use of the funding available for certain things." "I never ever expected to be in this position. Ultimately, it is a matter for the Prime Minister." "So that sort of sets the scene." You're a senator for the ACT, you're effectively a House of Representatives member for the purposes of community engagement, and people expect you to look after them. It was a signpost day one move to have a Minister for Women among the interim appointments. Senator Gallagher is one of a small important group, sworn in on Monday as part of an Albanese "gang of five" interim ministry, as the party assumes power after nine years in opposition and vote counting continues. I think sitting at that table is going to be hard on a whole range of fronts, but my overwhelming sense is that it will be good.