Independent Senator David Pocock makes minority government 'safeguard' pitch if Peter Dutton forms minority
Independent Senator David Pocock has pitched himself as a politician critical to “safeguarding” action on climate change if Opposition Leader Peter Dutton wins minority government at the upcoming federal election.
The former rugby union star is vying for a second term as an ACT senator and launched his re-election campaign at Old Parliament House late on Sunday.
“Particularly if we see a Dutton minority government, the Senate will be critical on safeguarding some of the very hard-won gains on things like climate,” Senator Pocock told his supporters.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Finance Minister Katie Gallagher holds the only other ACT Senate spot and until Senator Pocock was elected, the two seats were usually occupied by one representative each from Labor and the Liberals.
Mr Pocock said he was “just getting started” and that standing up to major parties would be a bigger part of his campaign centred around climate, cost-of-living, housing and health.
Advocate and student Hannah Vardy was announced as his running mate, put forward as a voice for young people.
The fourth-year law, biology and climate science student was part of a campaign for parliament to legislate a duty of care to younger generations regarding climate change action.
“It is vitally important that youth voices are not only heard in democratic and political processes, but are able to meaningfully contribute to the decisions that will impact our lives the most,” Ms Vardy said.
Mr Pocock’s “safeguarding” messaging is in the tradition of upper house representatives who position themselves as a way to hold major parties to account.
The Australian Democrats’ inaugural leader Don Chipp, a former Liberal cabinet minister, coined the slogan “keep the bastards honest” in 1977.
The minor party has secured the balance of power in the Senate several times since the 1980 election.
The 2025 election must be held before May 17 and will be called after the federal budget on March 25.
It was expected to be held on April 12 but has been delayed due to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, which hit northern NSW and southeast Queensland earlier in March.
Labor maintains its two-party preferred lead over the Coalition 51 to 49 per cent, according to the latest YouGov polling.
