Greens Senator Barbara Pocock will not seek preselection in 2028

Greens senator Barbara Pocock will not recontest the next federal election in 2028 following her partner’s diagnosis with brain cancer.

In a statement, the South Australian Senator said she would not seek a second term in parliament, but would serve out the remainder of her term.

“After much consideration, I have made the decision that I will not be nominating for preselection for a second term in the Senate,” Senator Pocock said.

“The reasons are personal. For the past year my partner has had brain cancer and despite his good prognosis, I’ve reached the view that running for a second term is not right for me.

“The next federal election is a long way off and I still have plenty of work to do on housing, securing super for under 18-year-olds, holding KPMG to account and reforming the big four firms.

“I remain committed to continuing my work on climate and environmental justice.“

Senator Pocock was elected in 2022 after a career at the Reserve Bank of Australia, as a lecturer at the University of Adelaide, and at the Australia Institute.

She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for her work in industrial relations and social justice.

Liberal senators Jonathon Duniam and Wendy Askew had also announced they would either leave parliament or not seek preselection in recent months.

Originally published as Greens Senator Barbara Pocock will not seek preselection in 2028