Senator David Pocock's top priorities for the next Australian parliament include reforming the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax to capture more revenue from gas exports and addressing housing affordability through capital gains tax and negative gearing reforms. He emphasizes the need for structural changes to improve budget deficits and revenue streams, highlighting the significant financial impact of proposed public service cuts on the ACT economy.
With neither major party expected to secure a Senate majority, Pocock's position as a crossbencher is crucial. He's rejected support from Climate 200 and aims to work collaboratively but firmly with whoever forms government, opposing the Coalition's attacks on the public service. While he recognizes the possibility of a hung parliament, he is not aligned with the Greens' sweeping agenda and advocates for more moderate approaches.
Pocock suggests that housing affordability should be treated as a human right. He proposes targeted reforms to capital gains tax and negative gearing, seeking common ground while protecting existing investments. He acknowledges the challenges of these reforms, given past electoral experiences with similar proposals.
Pocock pushes for enhanced integrity measures, such as improving the funding and transparency of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and reforming gambling advertising. He stresses the importance of well-funded auditing mechanisms to ensure responsible public spending.
The article also covers Pocock's reelection campaign in the ACT, where he faces competition from Labor's Katy Gallagher and a Liberal candidate. His campaign is notable for its reduction in funding from Climate 200, and the shift toward smaller individual donations. The Liberals' approach includes targeting a 'contractor vote', those who lost their government contracts as the public sector shifted.