Meet Karen

Hi, I'm Karen Andrews, your Federal Member for McPherson.

Karen brings her experience in engineering, industrial relations and running her own business to her role as the Federal Member for McPherson. Karen is a strong advocate for local businesses as the powerhouse of our local economy.

Her commitment to serving our local community led to her decision to stand as the LNP candidate for McPherson at the 2010 election. Karen was re-elected in 2013, 2016, 2019 and again in 2022.

Her first appointment to the Ministry was in December 2014 as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science.

Karen is Queensland’s first female Federal Cabinet Minister, being appointed as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology in 2018, where she worked alongside the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Karen subsequently served as Minister for Home Affairs from 2021-2022 where she oversaw national security matters including counter-terrorism, cyber security, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and intelligence.

In her role as the Minister for Industry, Science & Technology, Karen oversaw the growth of the Australian Space sector, including the creation of the Space Discovery Centre and Mission Control in Adelaide, and our engagement in NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative. Karen consistently promoted Women in STEM, including through the appointment of the first Women in STEM ambassador and in her capacity as the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Science.

As Industry Minister, Karen promoted Aussie-made goods throughout her tenure and led the charge for manufacturing revival, crafting the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative, repositioning Australian manufacturing for a central role in our post-pandemic economic recovery. During the pandemic’s onset, Karen tackled supply chain challenges and boosted local PPE production.

As Home Affairs Minister, Karen has spearheaded several significant cybersecurity improvements including the National Plan to Combat Cybercrime and Ransomware Action Plan, creating a dedicated AFP-led cybercrime centre, and securing landmark national security legislation to better protect our critical infrastructure. Karen was also responsible for maintaining strong border protection, including Operation Sovereign Borders.

Karen brings her trademark drive and determination to her job representing the southern Gold Coast in the Federal Parliament. By organising petitions for local residents and persistent lobbying, Karen secured funding for each stage of the M1, including more than $1 billion in 2019 to finalise the upgrade from Varsity to Tugun. Of course, local funding doesn’t stop at roads. Karen has helped consistently secure grants and funding for projects here on the southern Gold Coast. These include grants for community groups, small businesses, sporting teams, RSLs, environmental initiatives and supporting our local volunteers, as well as over $2 million for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.