ACT independent Senate candidate Kim Rubenstein is leading a push for the ACT to be afforded more proportional representation in the Senate with two additional seats.

Professor Rubenstein says that Canberrans have voiced their concerns about a number of everyday issues – the skyrocketing cost of living, the housing crisis, a lack of affordable childcare options, and our strained healthcare system. The crossbench will be the lynchpin for all legislation.

There are currently 76 Senators with 12 in each state and two each from the ACT and Northern Territory; Rubenstein has prepared legislation which is ready for the commencement of Parliament that would grant the ACT two more seats.

“My legislation to increase the number of ACT Senate seats is ready to be tabled in Parliament,” said Professor Rubenstein.

“It is time that Canberrans were heard in the Senate and our values truly represented. Increasing our representation in the Senate to four seats will ensure that Canberrans are properly represented and push back against restrictions on our self-government.”

“The ACT’s population has more than doubled since it was originally granted Senate seats over 40 years ago, so it’s only fair that our representation is increased to reflect our mature and thriving democracy.”

“Without disparaging the ACT’s current Senators, the nature of the party system has meant that, for too long, the voices of Canberrans have been funnelled through party agendas that do not meet their specific needs.

“The recent budget, in which Canberra was allocated only 0.3% of infrastructure spending (despite being home to 1.68% of the nation’s population) demonstrates how little bargaining power the ACT’s current representatives hold.”

Rubenstein’s number one policy priority is Standing up for Canberrans.

As a former constitutional lawyer, who has appeared before parliamentary committees and Senate estimates, and with a background in statutory interpretation and drafting, Rubenstein is ready to Stand up for Canberrans from day one of the 47th Parliament.

“The role of Independents is not only to present policy platforms; it is to respond to government legislation.“

“I am campaigning on, and will act on, not just a policy platform, but a means of doing politics differently.”

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