Her father was born in England and served in the Royal Navy, moving to Australia to work at the Kwinana Oil Refinery.

[5] She then joined UWA's legal department as a research contracts lawyer (2005–2008), later working as chief of staff to the vice-chancellor Alan Robson (2008–2011) and principal advisor of strategic projects (2012–2013).

Immediately prior to entering parliament she was the chief operating officer of the Perth USAsia Centre, a think tank based at UWA.

[6] In March 2016, King won ALP preselection unopposed for the Division of Brand, following Gray's retirement.

[9][10] In June 2018, King was selected to fill a vacant place on the opposition frontbench, replacing Tim Hammond.