One Nation wins big, Pocock no longer kingmaker: A field guide to the new Senate

One Nation has doubled its Senate representation as the upper house prepares for a reshaped crossbench when the new term of parliament begins in July.

The Australian Electoral Commission announced the final Senate results from the election on Friday, as Labor locked in 28 seats and the Greens 11, meaning the government only needs the support of the left-wing minor party to pass legislation.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party will have four senators.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

It will be a vastly different negotiating structure for the government, after the previous parliament required Labor to win support from the Greens and at least two independents to pass legislation.

The arrival of former rugby union champion and independent ACT senator David Pocock in 2022 earned him the title of “kingmaker” as he became a moderate vote for the government to win over.

Pocock told this masthead he was prepared for the Senate to be different in his second term, but believed he could still influence the direction of government legislation.

“I think we’ve seen a lack of courage [from the government] and a lot of frustration amongst Australians … [I will] use all the tools of the Senate, you know, inquiries, speeches, bills,” he said.

“It’s definitely going to be a different challenge, but I’m really excited about it.”

Housing, climate change, integrity and cost of living will be a focus for Pocock. He said that despite the government not needing his vote to pass legislation, they would want his backing because of his moderate stance on policy.

“I think the independents on the crossbench bring a voice of reason and the community’s voice into different debates,” he said.

While the Senate overall has a more progressive lineup, One Nation has doubled its number of MPs as Warwick Stacey from NSW and Tyron Whitten from WA will join leader Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts.

Credit: Matt Golding

“These people have a lot to offer the parliament with their knowledge and experience, and that’s what I’m so grateful for. Again, to the people, thank you very much for your vote, and I hope that we prove you right in voting for us,” Hanson told Sky News on Friday.

Whitten co-founded the construction company Whittens and on his candidate page said the government was selling out Australians with “policies that benefit corporations and global bureaucracies while leaving our own people struggling”.

“I refuse to sit back and watch our country be sold off to global interests,” he said. “I’m stepping up to fight for the freedoms, values and opportunities that Australians deserve.”

Meanwhile, Stacey is a former hostage negotiator and served in the British and Australian armies and also was a SAS soldier, which Hanson said proves the strength of members of her party.

“He does consultation work for the military and private bases as well. So he’s got a lot of background in military, and it’ll be great benefit to the party, but also to the floor of parliament, to, you know, put forward what needs to be done,” she said.

Another notable addition is Labor’s third South Australian senator Charlotte Walker. The 21-year-old will be the youngest MP in the 48th parliament, and the second-youngest federal politician in Australia’s history.

“I’m excited to use my experience and perspective as a young person to shape our policy,” she said at her Australian Electoral Commission declaration earlier this week.

Former project director for the Lowy Institute Jessica Collins will join the Senate as a Liberal, while Corinne Mulholland, a former lobbyist for Star Casino, won a second Senate spot for Labor in Queensland.

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