Julia Gillard makes rare political statement, endorsing ACT Labor Senator Katy Gallagher

The former prime minister doesn’t talk publicly about politics much – but has emerged to make a rare endorsement.

Julia Gillard has made a rare campaign endorsement for Katy Gallagher in a show Labor is concerned about its hold over the ACT Senate.

The former prime minister has written to residents of the ACT and recorded a video endorsement for the opposition finance spokeswoman, a former chief minister, who holds one of the territory’s two senate spots.

Liberal senator Zed Seselja holds the other senate spot.

Labor is increasingly concerned it will lose votes to progressive independents David Pocock and Kim Rubenstein.

Mr Pocock, a former Wallaby, and Professor Rubenstein are vying to replace Senator Seselja, but the high visibility of the independents campaign is likely to instead rob Senator Gallagher of votes.

If you want Katy Gallagher in the Senate, it’s simple! Follow Julia Gillard’s advice and vote 1 Labor in the Senate to see Katy re-elected. pic.twitter.com/g3RPVB38az

— ACT Labor (@ACTLabor) May 15, 2022

In her letter to voters, Ms Gillard said she doesn’t “usually talk about politics, but there is someone I want to talk to you about today”.

“Katy Gallagher is more than just a good friend to me, she is a strong advocate for the values that matter,” she wrote.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard has made a rare endorsement this federal election, for ACT Labor Senator Katy Gallagher.

ACT Labor Senator Katy Gallagher is in a fight to hold on to her seat. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“If Labor wins the election, and Katy wins her place in the Senate, she will be Australia’s (next) Finance Minister.

“That’s why I would encourage you to ask yourself this question before you cast your vote – can I really risk losing someone like Katy from the Senate?

“To me, the answer is clear. And that’s why I’m asking you to put Katy Gallagher number 1 on the Senate ballot paper.”

Last week Senator Gallagher admitted she “would not be surprised” if voters she got onside last election moved to back independents next Saturday.

Senator Gallagher told ABC Radio she knows the race will be close.

“I think there’s a lot more progressive candidates vying for the same vote. And so it would be no surprise then that some of the votes I got last time … I won’t get this time,” she told ABC Radio last week.

“I’ve got to fight for every vote. But I do that at every election.

“I think the race is tighter in this Senate campaign than it has been in the past, and when you have a number of progressive candidates … the vote will be split.”

Former Wallaby and independent ACT Senate candidate David Pocock. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Ms Gillard’s rare political interference comes after ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr pleaded with Canberrans to preference Senator Gallagher before either independent on their ballot.

Mr Barr took to Twitter to share he would be voting “1 Labor and 2 Pocock” because “wouldn’t it be great if both ACT senators voted in favour of Territory rights”.

Mr Pocock has been running a high-profile campaign built around climate change, and has received funding from Climate 200, as has fellow independent Professor Rubenstein.

Mr Pocock is also gunning for a federal anti corruption commission, and wants to ensure Canberra gets its fair share of the funding and infrastructure pie.