Kate Ashton
Kate Ashton is a journalist in the Melbourne newsroom. She started with the ABC as a cadet in Darwin 2019 and worked as a journalist in Northern Territory until 2022. She was awarded the Walkley Foundation's 2022 Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award for coverage of community and regional affairs.
Latest by Kate Ashton
'Do you really want to leave everything?' A split-second decision, and a shot at a different future
Former members of the Afghan National Women's team who fled the Taliban are now playing in exile in Melbourne. But they're still fighting for recognition on the world stage.
Sophie was called a racist name playing footy – she wants her story to be heard
At just 13 years old, Sophie had a bad experience on the footy field, but is speaking out because she's proud of her Aboriginal heritage. It's a story experts say is too common.
Federal rejection of Victorian renewable proposal a bump in the road, proponents say
Advocates say federal environment laws could be overhauled to allow consideration of the potential for projects to mitigate climate change — like a knocked-back proposal for a port development in Victoria.
Australia just had its first major reported cyber attack on a court system. Here's why it may have been targeted
A suspected Russian ransomware hack on Victoria's court systems was the first major reported cyber attack on Australia's justice system — but a look overseas shows courts are popular targets for criminals.
Kate was worried about the cost of living this Christmas. Financial services say they're experiencing different requests for help
A single mum in Melbourne's outer suburbs says a no interest loan helped her get on top of her money stress, with financial experts describing them as a safe credit option for those struggling during the festive season.
Lawyer for diabetic Daylesford pub crash driver tells court his client is a 'model patient'
The driver of an SUV that crashed into patrons outside a regional Victorian pub last month, killing five people, is granted bail by a Melbourne magistrate.
Police response to missing transgender woman a 'terrible miscarriage of justice,' advocate says
Grieving family members provide devastating accounts of the impact of their loved one’s deaths during a coronial inquest.
Malakai used to feel breathless. He thinks learning the yidaki helped change that
Gunaikurnai teenager Malakai’s asthma symptoms improved after learning the didjeridu, with experts agreeing breathing exercises can improve quality of life for asthmatics.
Detective says details of police handling of case of missing transgender woman 'hard to listen to'
Melbourne woman Bridget had been missing for 11 days before her body was found by community members. Family describe police handling of the case as "hell".
When Bridget went missing, hundreds rushed to find her. She won't be forgotten
A Victorian coroner will soon examine the deaths of five young transgender women who took their own lives in Melbourne during the pandemic, but Melbourne's queer community is already working hard to support those in need.
Victorian family calls for answers over Aboriginal man's death days after police arrest
The family of Jeffrey Winmar have remembered the Indigenous father of one as "bright, happy and respectable". They want more answer on why he died days after he was arrested by police.
Clare used to worry she was 'too much'. When school went online, things got better
Clare is autistic and was struggling to fit in at school, but when life went online in the pandemic, things improved. Experts say she's not alone.
From Malvern to Mildura, here is how Victorians gave their verdict on the Voice
Now that Victorians have voted No to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, we take a look at four electorates to help us understand how the vote went across the state and ask — what’s next?
Nobody had noticed when the ABC asked why the Flinders Street Station clock was running slow
Recently found yourself five minutes late? Consider blaming it on a historic clock at Flinders Street Station.
Could the No campaign be winning over Australia’s 'most-progressive' state?
Victoria may not be considered a "battleground" state in the Voice to Parliament referendum, but that doesn't mean the state isn't divided over the upcoming vote.
Powerful Aboriginal truth-telling body lays down 46 recommendations for change in Victoria
In its most significant proposal yet, Victoria’s Indigenous truth-telling commission takes aim at the child protection and criminal justice systems it says are failing First Peoples.
What does your Victorian local council think about a Voice to Parliament?
We asked every Victorian council where they sit ahead of the national vote on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and most of them are on the fence.
Rules around psychedelics are about to change, and an unsurprising player is entering the market
While very few patients are expected to access new psychedelic therapies when regulatory changes take effect next month, medicinal cannabis companies, drug developers and health insurers are keeping watch on the emerging industry.
Many Australians use period-tracker apps for convenience, but experts warn they could come at a cost
Many Australians use phone apps to help track their periods, for convenience, contraception or to better understand fertility and reproductive health, but privacy experts warn they're not without risk.
Police baffled after Melbourne woman found naked and injured on street with no memory of what happened
Police launch an appeal for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage after a woman is found injured in Melbourne's north-east, with no recollection of how she came to leave her home.
Victorian coroner finds Mayumi Spencer, 29, died of a cocaine overdose, but also can't rule out manslaughter
Mayumi Spencer's husband wanted the coronial findings about his wife's death suppressed, but media outlets successfully fought to make them public.
Reforms needed to address expensive prison phone call costs, advocates say
While some US states are making prison phone calls free, a 12-minute phone call from a Victorian prison can cost more than a prisoner's wages for the day.
Analysis
analysis:'You just don't listen': In Victoria's Yoorrook inquiry, a colonial institution is being called to account
Senior public servants were prepared to accept the reality of racism in Victoria's criminal justice and child protection systems during this week's hearings at the Yoorrook Justice Commission. But reporter Kate Ashton asks whether that's all Victoria's truth-telling inquiry is looking for.
Is this packaging made from plastic from the ocean? A complaint to the watchdog says probably not
More consumer products are claiming to be made from recycled ocean or ocean-bound plastics, but green groups say the claims are difficult to prove and may be misleading consumers.
Some Australians can't stand jury duty. Brent's spent a decade fighting for the right to do it
While many Australians go to great lengths to avoid serving on a jury, Brent Phillips has been fighting for the right of deaf people to take part for almost a decade.