The Hon Catherine King MP was elected to Parliament in 2001 as the first woman to represent the electorate of Ballarat. 

During the previous Labor government, Catherine served as a Parliamentary Secretary within the health portfolio before being promoted to Cabinet in 2013 as Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories.

Catherine now serves in the Albanese Government as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

In this role she has led significant reforms, including strengthening the role of Infrastructure Australia, launching New Vehicle Emissions Standards and delivering an Aviation White Paper and a national Urban Policy for Australia's cities.

Catherine holds a degree in social work, a Bachelor of Law and a Masters in Public Policy.

After starting her career as a social worker, it was Catherine's passion for making life better for young people and their families that motivated her to become involved in politics.

Catherine is a tireless advocate for her community and lives in central Ballarat with her husband and their son.

She loves to spend spare time with the family, is a supporter of Richmond in the AFL, and takes an interest in rowing as a former competitor.