Dr Katrina Stratton MLA BSW ’95, BSW ’97, PhD ’06, GradCertSocImp ’16, MBA ’17 is a WA Labor Member of the Legislative Council and The University of Western Australia MBA graduate, whose leadership is defined by a deep commitment to systems change grounded in both policy and human experience.

Before entering politics, Katrina’s career spanned social work, research, academia and community leadership. Her broad experience placed her at what she describes as “the gaps, the tension points, the inaccessible knots, the unkindnesses and the absences” within systems – situations that helped her to understand how systems operate under strain. Across all areas, one theme became impossible to ignore. She saw, consistently, how gender sits at the heart of many of these challenges.

“It has always been my observation and experience that gender inequity is at many of those tension points,” she said. “Engaging with people with lived experience invokes a passion in me to use my voice and my hands, to untangle and build those systems.”

Working directly with people navigating complex systems has had a lasting impact on her approach to leadership. For Katrina, it’s not just about reform, but about rebuilding systems with care and dignity. For her, effective leadership must include “human kindness” as a foundational principle, not an afterthought.

Katrina’s turning point came when she undertook research with grandparents raising their grandchildren full-time, examining the impact of care on their social, physical and mental health. While the findings revealed significant strain, they also highlighted the vital role these carers play in keeping families together.

“Undertaking this research is what inspired me to become more politically engaged,” she said. “Being part of decision-making could create a lasting and meaningful impact for the population.”

Her desire to broaden her impact also led her to undertake an MBA at UWA. A self-described lifelong learner, she saw the opportunity to strengthen her leadership capability and address knowledge gaps, particularly in finance and economics. This learning gave her a deeper understanding of the systems she was already working within, allowing her to connect social outcomes with economic frameworks in a more strategic way.

Following a profound loss that left her a sole parent, she found clarity in her priorities and sharpened her focus on what matters most. It also reinforced the importance of community in times of need.

“An enduring reminder that people and community are ever-present, ready with kindness and care,” she said.

This perspective continues to influence how she leads, grounding her work in empathy, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.

Today, Katrina continues to focus on advancing equity, recognising care and ensuring that contribution is valued and supported. She speaks with pride about tangible outcomes that reflect these priorities.

One such moment was the inclusion of a Gold Card in the State Budget, a WA Government initiative championed by her and fellow advocates. Delivered as a digital card through the ServiceWA app, it provides eligible carers with access to cost-of-living benefits, discounts and energy bill relief. As well as providing practical support, Katrina sees it as a great recognition piece, acknowledging the critical role these carers play and the need for systems to recognise and sustain their worth.

She is particularly committed to encouraging women to pursue opportunities with confidence. She encourages them to focus on their potential and capacity, and to surround themselves with supportive mentors and advocates, alongside trusted voices who offer honest feedback – an approach she sees as central to navigating growth and leadership.

 “Learn to speak of yourself in ways that show your value, engagement and integrity,” she said.

For Katrina, leadership is not defined by position alone. It is about staying connected to people and communities, acting with integrity, and committing to change that is both meaningful and lasting. Her work reflects a consistent belief that better systems are possible, and that they must be built with care, equity and humanity at their core.