Hannah Ferguson has shared her plans to run as an Independent Senator at the next NSW Senate election, revealing 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 her independent media platform called 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 what will 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 affecting 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’s plans to enter politics come after she has extensively covered politics herself through her social media and podcast platforms. In the past, other women in media have also ventured into a political career. For example, independent Dai Le – the Federal Member of Parliament for Fowler in Sydney – previously worked as a journalist at a local newspaper in Sydney’s Fairfield, before doing reporting and broadcasting at the ABC. “I stepped into politics in 2008, wanting to represent and make a difference in the community where I live and grew up, campaigning for a car park,” she says on her website.
Meanwhile, 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.”
Reactions to Ferguson’s news
As is often the case, Ferguson’s announcement drew mixed reactions on social media.
Some critics voiced their views on social media, with one person commenting underneath a TikTok video published by The Guardian and questioning Ferguson’s qualifications: “Seriously, what qualifications or life experience does she have to make decisions on behalf of anyone? A sheltered upbringing and grad experience.”
Another commenter responded: “She has a law degree and is CEO of a hugely successful media company. Far more qualified than many currently in the parliament.”
Someone also penned on Reddit underneath a thread about Ferguson’s overall NPC address: “I’ve just watched. Unfortunately, her analysis of issues is surface level, a reflection of limited life experience and relative privilege. I have to wonder whether she would have been asked to speak at the NPC were it not for her being a well connected white woman. Just my opinion.”
Another person responded to the comment, saying: “I admittedly only caught a bit of it but it was the bit where she was directly addressing her privilege and the fact that she was white women that had access to higher education paid for by her parents.
“I think it shows she’s clearly aware of her position and knows the limitations of such and her speech while it may not have gone as in depth as you would have liked might just be the beginning of showing what she can bring to the table.”
Over on her own Instagram account underneath a post of her announcement, Ferguson felt the love by many followers from different walks of life.
“Amazing! Signed Gen X ex politics teacher who feels happy young people like you will shake it up in there!” one person wrote, while another said, “I watched you address the NPC today. You voiced many thought this 55 year old Gen Xer has had for decades. You give me hope. Thank you.”
Ferguson’s entry into the political landscape underscores the growing intersection between digital media influence and political engagement in Australia. Public opinion will always waver as opportunities and challenges emerge for young women in politics.
Here at Missing Perspectives, we’re looking forward to see the next generation of political leaders navigating their careers and rising up over the next few years.
