About Karen
Karen Andrews is the Federal Member for McPherson.
Karen successfully served as a Minister in the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Governments, including in Cabinet as the Minister for Home Affairs, and as the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
Karen brings her experience in engineering, industrial relations and running her own business.
Her commitment to serving the local community led to her decision to stand as the LNP candidate for McPherson and she was elected at the 2010 election.
Karen has a history of being prepared to fight for what she believes in. As one of only two female graduates in Mechanical Engineering at QUT in 1983, and later working at power stations and petrochemical sites in regional Queensland and interstate, Karen knows that it takes hard work and determination to succeed in sometimes difficult circumstances.
Having run her own Human Resources and Industrial Relations Consultancy, Karen understands the pressures of owning and running a small business. She is a strong advocate for local businesses as the powerhouse of our local economy.
Karen brings her trademark drive and determination to her job representing Southern Gold Coast residents in the Federal Parliament. Following the 2013 election, she took on a leadership position as Chair of the House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Public Works – one of the oldest investigatory Committees of the Parliament, and a “watchdog” on Government building and works programs.
A long-term resident of the Southern Gold Coast, Karen understands the challenges and pressures of raising a family. She is married with three children attending school and University.