About Karen

I entered Federal Parliament as a Senator for South Australia in October 2021.

I believe in a more just and fair society for all, and I have spent my life fighting to achieve exactly that; working across education, the environment, mental health, Aboriginal affairs, and the social and community services sectors.

Having worked within the university sector and at the Central Lands Council, I have seen first hand the vital importance of Closing the Gap.

Most recently, I was at the United Workers Union, fighting with some of the most vulnerable and low-paid workers in the country. I continue to be a proud union member.

I have also served as CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Services, and as Director of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. I have a long track record of working with experts to develop meaningful, evidence based policy that really changes lives, challenges poverty, and tackles climate change

Through my previous senior roles in the offices of Federal Minister Mark Butler and former South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill, I know what good government looks like, and what good it can do.

I am committed to achieving a better society, fighting for well-paid and secure jobs, universal access to health care and an equitable education system.

I am a passionate advocate for the environment, and action on climate change, and as the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee of Environment and Communications, I'm committed to real action to combat climate change and its impacts.

I wholeheartedly support Voice, Treaty and Truth, as endorsed by the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

South Australia needs strong, progressive voices of integrity in the Senate. Labor is the only party that actually gets things done for South Australia and achieves real outcomes on climate, poverty, and equality.

That’s why I need your support, to make sure Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong continue to have a Senate Team from South Australia that achieves real progressive change.

“I am a feminist.
I am a unionist.
I am a community activist.
I am an environmentalist.
I am an immigrant.
I am a proud South Australian.
I believe in Truth, Treaty and Voice for First Nations people.
And I believe in the value of each and every South Australian.”

— Senator Karen Grogan, first speech to the Senate