She revealed the news during her National Press Club (NPC) address this week, where she spoke about the growing influence of new media on Australian politics.
Ferguson, known for her progressive commentary and advocacy through Cheek Media, highlighted concerns around political endorsements and stressed the importance of transparency in online political content.
“A large part of the reason I want to run [for the Senate] is not because I think I would win. and I don’t say that on a false sense of ‘I don’t know if I would happen.’ Running for the Senate as an Indie is virtually impossible. In NSW you have to get 400 to 500 thousand votes to get the required numbers. That’s a tough ask,” Ferguson told the NPC when asked about her plans to run for the Senate.
“That’s all well and good but I also want to step into the arena and actually understand and challenge that system because I think that’s the next point of effecting change for me, ultimately. But running a campaign and losing is also a powerful thing to do, to show other young women that they can do the same thing – and that it’s not embarrassing, it’s actually a triumph that you attempted to challenge a system and an establishment. But part of the reason why I’m so desperate to do it is because I’ve spent four years on the outside talking about politicians and criticising and offering support – but constantly negotiating my progressive line and where my boundaries and personal values lie.”
When Is the Next Federal Senate Election in NSW?
Senators in Australia serve staggered six-year terms, with half the Senate up for election every three years. Based on this cycle, the next NSW Senate election is expected to take place in 2028, though the Australian Electoral Commission will announce the official date closer to the time.
During the post-speech Q&A, Ferguson confirmed that she would run as an independent, and not as a representative of the Australian Greens.
Ferguson Addresses New Media, Gender Bias and Media Concentration
In her NPC address, Ferguson also reflected on the scrutiny faced by young female journalists and creators during the last federal election, particularly from established media outlets.
“Instead of focusing on the failures of the major parties, instead of pushing for stronger policy platforms and greater outcomes for all Australians, these outlets want to sow seeds of doubt,” Ferguson told the NPC.
“They wanted to invalidate and undermine a group of powerful young women, who have developed the ability to communicate with new audiences in ways that traditional media cannot fathom – because they have eroded the trust of their audiences.”
Ferguson also voiced her support for Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, suggesting she should lead the Greens. She went on to critique the concentration of media ownership in Australia, particularly Murdoch-owned outlets.
“[Kevin] Rudd’s petition demanding an inquiry into the Murdoch media is the most signed parliamentary petition in Australian history. In his first term, Prime Minister Albanese ruled out an inquiry into News Corp or media diversity more broadly,” she said.
“Now, a Labor majority government is in a perfect position to take tangible action on the series issue of media concentration here in Australia. The more immediate solution to the spreading of disinformation is to implement enforceable reporting standards with genuine consequences and deterrence measures. Currently, there is no effective framework of accountability for outlets who are willing to publish anything in the pursuit of clicks.”
Ferguson’s entry into the political landscape underscores the growing intersection between digital media influence and political engagement in Australia – and here at Missing Perspectives, we’re keen to see the next generation of political leaders rise up over the next few years.
