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.
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.
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'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.
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