[7] Prior to the 2018 Victorian state election, Kealy became embroiled in controversy over her use of taxpayer-funded printing entitlements.
Deputy Premier James Merlino referred Kealy to the State Ombudsman, alleging that Kealy had asked a local newspaper in her electorate, the Hamilton Spectator, to falsify invoices to enable taxpayer-funded advertising to run in the newspaper during November 2018 contrary to the prohibition against the use of MP allowances during the caretaker election period.
[8][9] Blame for the affair was ultimately placed on the shoulders of an inexperienced advertising consultant at the Hamilton Spectator, and no further disciplinary action was taken against Kealy.
[citation needed] After the 2018 Victorian state election, Kealy continued in her role as Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Prevention of Family Violence, and Women.
Despite being expected to advocate for the rights and status of women in her capacity as Shadow Minister for Women, Kealy surprised some observers by failing to join local female leaders in condemning Hindmarsh Shire Mayor, Ron Ismay, for using what the ABC chose to describe as sexist language, in introducing Kealy to an audience of young families and children at the opening ceremony for Nhill skate park in October 2019.