Australia votes: David Pocock wins Senate seat

Former Wallabies star David Pocock has officially been elected as the ACT’s first independent senator.

Former Wallabies star David Pocock has officially been elected as the ACT’s first independent senator.

Despite the results being clearly in Mr Pocock’s favour, former Liberal senator Zed Seselja did not concede.

On Tuesday the Australian Electoral Commission announced Labor Senator and finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Mr Pocock had been elected.

Australian Rugby legend David Pocock has become the first independent ACT senator. Picture: Bob Brown Foundation

Mr Pocock told the Canberra Star his history-making election win was a testament to grassroots campaigning.

“We built a policy platform that was based on thousands of conversations with Canberrans,” he said.

“We kept it positive, we talked about the issues and we mobilised a couple thousand volunteers to be getting out there, door knocking.”

He also said the embrace of independent candidates was a sign of voters wanting a different kind of representative.

“When you look across the country there's clearly a growing desire to see politics done better,” he said.

“People are realising you can actually have someone (in parliament) who is there to represent you and your community.

“(Political representatives) need to work for you, they don’t have to get tied in party lines and factional fights.

‘(Independent candidates) can actually focus on delivering.

For the first time, we have an independent voice representing the ACT in federal parliament.

I acknowledge the work of outgoing Senator @ZedSeselja after 9 yrs representing us & wish him & his family all the best.

I'm committed to listening & representing all Canberrans.

— David Pocock (@pocockdavid) June 14, 2022

Outgoing senator Zed Seselja released a statement congratulating Mr Pocock and Ms Gallagher on their electoral success.

He described his nine-year stint as senator as an “immense honour” and thanked the Liberal Party and the people of the ACT for “giving me the honour to be their Senator for three terms”.

Zed Seselja has officially lost his senate seat. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

“I extend my congratulations to Katy Gallagher and David Pocock on the honour of being elected to represent the ACT in the Australian Senate, and to Senator Gallagher on her appointment as Australia’s Finance Minister,” he said.

“There is no greater privilege than serving your community and your country – it is a heavy responsibility.”

Mr Seselja described the loss of the Liberal’s senate seat as a “bitter blow”.

“I also know that in politics, things change very quickly,” he said.

“People will write off the Liberal Party as they did in 2007, but we will be back here in the ACT and nationally.

“I congratulate Peter Dutton on taking on the leadership of the Liberal Party and I’m confident he will quickly restore our fortunes and return our party to Government.”

ACT Labor senator Katy Gallagher took to Twitter to thank voters, congratulate Mr Pocock and acknowledge the service of Mr Seselja.

Thank you to the people of #Canberra for giving me the absolute honour of representing them in @AuSenate. I will work hard for you everyday.

— Katy Gallagher (@SenKatyG) June 14, 2022

Thank you to the people of Canberra for giving me the absolute honour of representing them in (Australian Senate),” she said.

“I will work hard for you everyday.

“Congratulations to (David Pocock) for a successful campaign.

“I look forward to working with you, both in the interests of the nation and the people of Canberra.

“I also acknowledge Zed Seselja service to the Canberra community, the ACT Assembly and the Australian parliament since 2004.”

Originally published as Australia votes: David Pocock wins Senate seat