David Pocock has denounced the robocalls made by Advance Australia which circulated on Friday night criticising The Canberra Times for being biased to the independent candidate.
Election day polling began at 8am on Saturday and Liberal Senator Zed Seselja crossed paths with independent candidate David Pocock at Gordon Primary School. Mr Pocock's campaign has put significant pressure on Senator Seselja to retain his seat in the Senate.
On Friday night Advance Australia circulated robocalls across the ACT, polling if people thought The Canberra Times was biased. Senator Seselja denied knowledge of the calls and said he "didn't receive one". Mr Pocock described these tactics as the reason people were tuning out of politics.
"It's more of the stuff that we're so sick of in politics, the fear-mongering, the negative attacks, attacking The Canberra Times on election eve, just such poor form," Mr Pocock said.
"It's essentially attack ads disguised as a survey and most people want better, we expect better and it's really disappointing to see but not surprising given the political behaviour we've seen during our campaign."
Before going in to vote, Senator Seselja denied having any knowledge about the robocalls as he was giving out leaflets to potential voters.
When asked if he knew about the calls or received any, Senator Seselja simply responded: "No, I didn't get any,"
Earlier in the campaign, The Canberra Times investigated the origin of Advance Australia and found they had strong links to the Coalition and Senator Seselja.
The conservative activist group has been pushing anti-Pocock advertisements throughout the election, labelling him as "an extreme green". Mr Pocock formally complained to the AEC about their tactics.
Mr Seselja admitted the increase in independent candidates was something he was "sure [would] have an impact" and when asked if he thought he would win the senate race he remained unsure.
"I hope so but I'm not going to make any predictions," he said.
Mr Pocock also remained coy about his chances of winning a spot in the ACT Senate, finding it "very strange being able to vote for yourself".
"It's been great, we've built a lot of momentum with a number of people in Canberra realising that we can actually do politics better," he said.
Also spotted at Miles Franklin Primary School this morning was former Liberal MLA for Ginninderra Vicki Dunne, who joined hard right group Advance Australia as one of their directors in March 2022.
Liberal staffers confirmed Ms Dunne had been at the primary school wearing a Liberal party vest in support.
Ms Dunne had joined Advance Australia just nine days after she allegedly cut ties with the Canberra Liberal branch.
Labor candidates were also stationed around Canberra to cast their votes, including senator Katy Gallagher and Labor member for Canberra Alicia Payne at Lyneham Primary School this morning who were being supported by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
"Obviously a few nerves and a bit of stress but it's been a long campaign and a long three years really working to try kick out the Morrison government so today's the big day," Senator Gallagher said.
"[I'm] looking forward to casting my vote for Labor and [it's] been great to chat to people this morning," Ms Payne said.
Out at Harrison Primary School, the member for Fenner Andrew Leigh cast his vote early at 8am. He was also being supported by Mr Barr as he gave out how-to-vote cards.
"The campaign team has done everything we possibly can. We've been out and about in the Canberra community - the street stalls, the door knocking, people have been out and about setting up early today," Mr Leigh said.
"There's a real feeling of optimism about the change that a Labor government could bring."
In the ultra-marginal seat of Eden-Monaro, the incumbent Labor MP Kristy McBain cast her vote in Queanbeyan this morning. She is being challenged for the former bellwether seat by Scott Morrison's captain's pick for the Liberals, Jerry Nockles.
