Senator Gerard Rennick has exited the Liberal National Party (LNP), declaring a new chapter with the launch of his “People First” party to contest the next federal election.
Rennick, who was moved out of a prime LNP spot off the Senate ticket by a narrow three-vote margin to party Treasurer Stuart Fraser, is now set to apply for official party status with the Australian Electoral Commission.
Rennick’s platform is aimed at changing Australian family life.
He hopes to raise the tax-free threshold from $18,200 to $40,000. His vision includes funnelling childcare support directly to families, scrapping subsidies for renewables, and putting an end to building on agricultural land.
Additionally, he proposes making superannuation voluntary and reintroducing a public bank alongside a government insurance office under the banner of his nascent party.
In an interview with The Epoch Times, Senator Rennick promised these changes would put more money in both individuals’ and families’ pockets, enabling quicker home loan repayments and a boost in overall financial well-being.
Not a Trend Follower
On the subject of renewable energy, Senator Rennick says, “People don’t want renewables cluttering up farmlands and waterways.”“Starting a new party isn’t about following trends,” he said. “It’s about securing a spot above the line on the ballot paper. This sets the stage for both One Nation and my party to potentially claim Senate seats.”
Despite the timing of his party’s launch alongside RFK’s Unity Party in the United States, Senator Rennick insists there’s no direct inspiration from the American political scene.
Future Goals
Senator Rennick’s goal is to wield the balance of power to push his agenda forward. While he admits that gaining support from the Greens and Labor is a long shot, he remains optimistic about the potential for cross-party collaboration.He’s also pushing for greater transparency and accountability in government, advocating for the mandatory production of documents during estimates to avoid the stalling tactics of information requests on notice.
Starting a new party isn’t without its hurdles, Senator Rennick admits, including a mountain of paperwork and a need for a hefty number of signatures.
Fortunately for him, his status as a sitting MP bypasses the 1,500-signature requirement for non-sitting candidates. For now, he’s focused on expanding his ranks in Queensland, although he acknowledges it’s still early days.
There is also considerable competition from other right-leaning, conservative candidates too.
On the topic of public banking and a government insurance office, Rennick said, “People are yearning for face-to-face banking. There’s a groundswell of support for it.”
Further, Rennick’s proposal to make superannuation voluntary will be a marked policy shift that aligns with a similar push from Senator Andrew Bragg.
“People are focused on living now, not on retirement. In New Zealand, 92 percent of the population voted against mandatory superannuation in a referendum.”
During his parliamentary tenure, Rennick cultivated a large social media following. Often labelled a “maverick senator,” Rennick bristles at the term.
“I’m simply doing my job,” he said. “Holding the government accountable isn’t maverick; it’s a duty.”
As for his new party’s future, Rennick is cautious but optimistic.
While it’s too soon to consider a foray into state politics, he leaves the door open, suggesting that the party’s trajectory will depend on the upcoming results.
