Barry Du Bois withdraws from Senate race

The Living Room presenter Barry Du Bois has pulled out of the running for the Senate in the federal election citing family commitments and the impact on his health.

He announced his intention to run as an independent last July, with a teambaz.com.au website and social media campaign, borrowing a phrase from Australian Democrats founder Don Chipp, to “keep the bastards honest.”

“When I announced I was running there were thousands of people who were incredibly supportive but I have realised that the strain this election campaign was going to put on my health was too great a challenge to me as an individual,” he said in a statement.

“None of us know how much time we’ve got left here and ultimately, I’m a father first and an individual second so my family and my health needed to come first.

“I didn’t want to let anyone down and to do this job the way I need to in order to win and make a change, while still caring for my health and family, wouldn’t have been possible.

“I’m still extremely passionate about creating the very best future for the next generation of Australians and while our political system is less than perfect, it’s what we have so voting in the upcoming election is crucial.”

In 2010, Du Bois was diagnosed with plasmacytoma, a cancer of the immune system. He underwent successful therapy, but in 2017, the cancer had returned as multiple myeloma with chemotherapy commenced in 2018. He continues to manage the disease.

Du Bois continues as the ‘Mr Fix-it’ on 10’s The Living Room, telling followers his vote will be for the Independent who promises to be the voice for the everyday citizen.

“True Independents who are not aligned with either of the major parties are the best chance we have to ensure legislation is viewed fairly.  Because our government needs to be held in check by independents who aren’t career politicians who are governed by the agendas of multinationals,” he said.

“We’re all being let down by a system where deals are done behind closed doors and where big corporations and the lobbyists have all the power. It’s not about being left-wing or right-wing or whether you like ScoMo or Albo, it’s about getting an Independent in the Senate, to review legislation and to make sure it will create a prosperous Australia for everyone – not just the privileged few with money and influence.”