Inside The Battle For Queensland’s Senate Seats

As the official election campaign begins, Australians can expect a flurry of promises, policies and political rallies. While most attention will focus on the House of Representatives, where government is formed, the Senate plays an equally crucial role. Often overlooked during campaigns, the Senate is a powerful chamber where no party currently holds a majority. Labor holds 25 seats, the Coalition 30, with the rest shared by the Greens (11), One Nation (2), Jacqui Lambie Network (1), United Australia Party (1), and six Independents. Winning government in the lower house is only part of the story.

What Is the Senate?

The Australian Parliament comprises two houses: the House of Representatives (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). The Senate serves as a house of review, scrutinising legislation proposed by the House of Representatives. It has the power to amend or reject bills, except for appropriation (money) bills, which it can only reject or defer.

Composition of the Senate

The Senate consists of 76 members:

• States: Each of the six states elects 12 senators, regardless of population size.

• Territories: The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory each elect two senators.

State senators serve fixed six-year terms, with elections held every three years to replace half of the state senators. Territory senators serve terms concurrent with the House of Representatives, typically three years.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Senate's primary functions include:

• Legislative Review: Examining, amending, or rejecting legislation passed by the House of Representatives.

• Committee Work: Conducting inquiries into various issues, allowing for detailed examination of legislation and government activities.

• Representation: Ensuring equal representation for all states, balancing the population-based representation in the House of Representatives.

The Senate plays a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances within the federal government, often influencing the legislative agenda, especially when the government does not hold a majority in the Senate.

Voting for the Senate

In the 2025 federal election, voters will receive two ballot papers: one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate.

Senate Voting Methods:

• Above the Line: Number at least six boxes for parties or groups in order of preference.

• Below the Line: Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates in order of preference.

This proportional representation system ensures that the composition of the Senate reflects the diverse views of the electorate.

Senators Up for Re-election in 2025

In this election, 40 of the 76 Senate seats are contested:

• State Senators: Half of the state senators (six from each state) whose terms expire on 30 June 2025.

• Territory Senators: All four territory senators, as their terms align with the House of Representatives.

In Queensland, the following senators' terms expire in 2025:

• Nita Green (Labor)

• Susan McDonald (Liberal National)

• Gerard Rennick (Independent)

• Malcolm Roberts (One Nation)

• Paul Scarr (Liberal National)

• Larissa Waters (Greens)

The remaining six Queensland senators' terms expire in 2028.

Importance of the Senate in Governance

The Senate's composition can significantly impact the government's ability to pass legislation. A government without a Senate majority must negotiate with minor parties and independents, making the Senate a powerful body in shaping national policy.

Understanding the Senate's role is vital for informed voting. As the 2025 federal election approaches, voters are encouraged to consider the Senate candidates and their potential influence on Australia's legislative process.

This information is designed to be a guide only, for more information on candidates and voting procedures, visit the Australian Electoral Commission's website at www.aec.gov.au.

2025 Candidates in Ballot Paper Group Order (56 Candidates)

Group A – Socialist Alliance

• Jonathan Strauss

• Kamala Emanuel

Group B – Trumpet of Patriots

• Harry Fong

• Robert McMullan

• David McClaer

Group C – Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia

• Wayne CoCo Wharton

• Marnie Laree Davis

Group D – FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation

• Chris Simpson

• Frank Jordan

Group E – Australia’s Voice

• Michelle McDonald

• Cameron McClure Leckie

• Aidan McGuire

Group F – Jacqui Lambie Network

• Ange Harper

• Craig Schramm

Group G – Gerard Rennick People First | Katter’s Australian Party

• Gerard Rennick (Gerard Rennick People First)

• Robert Lyon (Katter’s Australian Party)

Group H – Australian Democrats

• Scott Frazer Roberts

• Luke Daniel Pullar

Group I – Liberal National Party (LNP)

• Paul Scarr

• Susan McDonald

• Stuart Fraser

• Sophia Li

• Yvonne Tunney

• Peter Zhuang

Group J – Australian Labor Party

• Nita Green

• Corinne Mulholland

• Peter Casey

• Danielle Shankey

• Melinda Chisholm

• Brianna Bailey

Group K – Great Australian Party and HEART Party

• William Bay (Great Australian Party)

• Catherine Smith (HEART Party)

Group L – Citizens Party

• Jan Pukallus

• Richard Frederick Healy

Group M – Animal Justice Party

• Michelle Jensz

• Gregory Dillon

Group N – Family First

• Katie Lush

• Karen Fuller

Group O – Legalise Cannabis Party

• Belinda Jones

• Melody Lindsay

Group P – The Greens

• Larissa Waters

• Navdeep Singh Sidhu

• Claire Garton

• Jennifer Cox

• Melissa McArdle

• Kirsten Kennedy

Group Q – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

• Malcolm Roberts

• Geena Court

Group R – Sustainable Australia Party – Universal Basic Income

• Rhett Martin

• Ross Honniball

Group S – Libertarian

• Jim Willmott

• Lachlan Lade

Ungrouped Candidates

• Gilbert Holmes (Independent)

• Danny Donohue (Independent)

• Duke Wong (Independent)

• Jason Brown (Independent)

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Inside the Upper House: The red-carpeted Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, where 76 senators debate and decide on legislation that shapes the nation. Photo source: Parliament of Australia

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