Senator pitches political shake-up in challenge to Labor and Coalition

Independent Senator David Pocock has floated an idea that could turn Parliament House on its head as he responded to the alleged attack on his colleague Helen Haines.

At his first National Press Club address on Wednesday, Pocock said he wanted to build an alliance of independents that could form a minority government at the next federal election.

“Build a coalition, not your Matt Canavan, Angus Taylor types, but of community independents, holding balance of power, and governing in minority,” he said.

Pocock said the attack on the Indi MP, who has lost a leg and is fighting for her life after being repeatedly struck by a car outside her electorate office, had made him more determined to voice his idea.

“We must meet this attack on you by doubling down on the values you represent, that you champion so hard in our parliament every day: democracy, transparency, accountability, care, and kindness,” he said, donning an orange heart pin on his lapel for Haines.

“If anything, what has happened to Helen has made me more determined to stand here today and say what I have to say.”

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Pocock, the former Wallaby turned senator, said the current two-party system was failing the country, with more voters disillusioned and frustrated with politics.

“We don’t need more recycled political candidates, former staffers, and others from the political class dancing to the tune of best interests,” he said.

“We need people from outside politics, putting their communities ahead of everything else, including the party position.”

Pocock said an alliance of the independents to form a minority government could create a more representative democracy.

“I want to be part of building a political system that actually delivers for Australians,” he said.

Minority governments have traditionally been viewed as ineffective due to potential power struggles and delays in passing legislation.

Australia last had a minority government was under former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard in 2010, who secured support from the Greens and independents to govern.

The rise of One Nation has sparked speculation that the Pauline Hanson-led party could govern alongside the Coalition in a minority government at the 2028 election.

Pocock said while minority governments have a bad reputation, it was the way the current political system was heading, citing the increasing crossbench.

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“It’s time for the Australian people to take their power back, and we have a great democratic system that allows us to do just that,” he said.

“In 2028, people could have the chance to vote for something better than a two-party system that’s no longer working for us as Australians.”

But asked what the idea could look like in reality, Pocock conceded: “I don’t know exactly.”

Labor, the oldest political party in Australia, still holds the majority in the House of Representatives.

But, in the Senate, it requires support from either the Greens or the Coalition to pass legislation.

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The Coalition forms the opposition in both houses with the second-highest number of members, albeit whittled down following a historic defeat at the last election.

The latest Resolve poll for The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age showed Labor ahead in the primary vote with 29 per cent, followed by One Nation at 25 per cent and the Coalition at 23 per cent.

The Greens occupy just 12 per cent of the primary vote, followed by independents at 6 per cent.