David Pocock
IND Federal

Independent ACT Whip

Elected 2022

4 years

Senator for ACT (ACT)

Federal - ACT

David was born in South Africa in 1988 and is the oldest of three boys to Jane and Andy Pocock. David grew up on a farm near Gweru, Zimbabwe, but relocated to Brisbane in 2001 with his family following Zimbabwe’s land reform. He was educated there at the Anglican Church Grammar School.

He began his rugby career early on, touring with the Australian Schoolboys team to the UK in 2005. His professional debut in rugby union was with Western Force in Perth. His first test match playing for the...

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Committees

  • National Capital and External Territories
  • Selection of Bills
  • Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation

Key Staff

  • Samuel LeWatt

    Deputy Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Lincoln Magee

    Adviser

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

2 August 2022

# Climate Action # Indigenous Rights # Healthcare Access

Personal Background and Values

  • David Pocock acknowledges his immigrant roots and the contributions of migrants to Australian society.
  • Grew up on a farm, instilling a strong work ethic and appreciation for nature.
  • Values community, diversity, and the importance of agriculture.

Policy Focus Areas

  • Advocates for restoring territory rights for the ACT, seeking equality with states.
  • Highlights the housing crisis, healthcare worker shortages, and the cost-of-living crisis affecting vulnerable communities.
  • Stresses the need for a First Nations voice in parliament and support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Future Agenda and Collaboration

  • Emphasises the urgency of climate action and biodiversity conservation, viewing them as paramount challenges.
  • Commits to working on transparency, integrity in governance, and improving political trust.
  • Expresses intent to be a collaborative force in the Senate, advocating for practical outcomes and equitable representation for the ACT.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Fiona Scott is David Pocock's Chief of Staff.

David Pocock represents the Senate seat of Australian Capital Territory in the Australian Parliament.

David Pocock is a member of the Independent.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

BILL TO USE GOVERNMENT LAND TO IMPROVE HOUSING SUPPLY

Media Release • 2 July

Housing and Homelessness Housing & Homelessness

AI Summary

  • Bill requires affordable housing in residential developments on Commonwealth land sold or leased to private entities.
  • Sets a default of 30% affordable housing, with flexibility for different sites and market conditions.
  • Affordable rent capped at 75% of market rent or 30% of household income, targeting low-income households.
  • Penalties for non-compliance and exemptions for certain site conditions included.

AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE WEAK GAMBLING LAWS

Media Release • 1 July

Gambling

AI Summary

  • Proposes six amendments to enhance gambling laws in line with the Murphy Report recommendations.
  • Calls for a complete ban on gambling ads and inducements to protect Australians, especially children.
  • Aims to extend blackout periods for gambling ads around live sports and introduce independent reviews of the proposed regulations.

In Parliament

STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Gambling Advertising

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 2 July

Health Health Sector Advertising Gambling

AI Summary

  • Senator Pocock highlighted concerns over lobbying by gambling companies, referencing a Labor member's meeting with Sportsbet at a recent event.
  • He criticised the government's proposed legislation as inadequate, failing to protect children and reinforce the link between sports and gambling.
  • Pocock called for public action against gambling ads, urging Australians to contact their representatives to demand a ban on gambling advertisements.

BILLS › Commonwealth Land (Affordable Housing) Bill 2026

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 2 July

Housing and Homelessness Housing & Homelessness

AI Summary

  • Senator Pocock highlights the urgent need for increased investment in social and affordable housing to combat rising homelessness and worsening rental affordability.
  • He advocates for mandatory inclusion of affordable housing in developments on surplus Commonwealth land, aiming to create a more equitable housing market.
  • Pocock calls for a long-term agreement with states and territories to ensure sustained investment in social housing beyond 2029, addressing the current funding cliff.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 24 July 2026

The PM might not like it but the push to tax gas is gaining momentum - even former Labor leader Bill Shorten is backing in a fairer return. Add your voice to the campaign at ourgas.com.au
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 23 July 2026

Primary Healthcare

A huge win for allied health students that I’ve been pushing with Helen Haines MP. We got this costed, brought students to parliament to talk about what it’s like living in placement poverty & tabled a petition 43,000 of you signed. This will help students AND help give Australians the allied health future workforce we desperately need. It still needs to go further to include medical students, all psychology students, nutrition and dieticians, optometry & counselling and pay a liveable rate. Congratulations to Jason Clare MP on this announcement.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 11 June 2026

Privacy

Are we sleepwalking into the AI era? I sat down with Digital Rights Watch founder Lizzie O'Shea FAAL to unpack the hidden costs of Big Tech, exploring everything from addictive algorithms and scams to the massive environmental toll of new AI data centres. Listen via the links below to learn how strong privacy laws can help us take power back. YouTube - https://lnkd.in/eqkfS92G Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/eemMZP-E Spotify - https://lnkd.in/eygbXQv4
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 29 April 2026

Health Medicines

This is Sarah. A Canberra science teacher and a mum of two boys with Crohn’s disease. And what she has done over the past few months will change the lives of children with Crohn’s disease going forward. Last week, we found out that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended that children with high-risk Crohn’s disease be able to access newer biologic medicines earlier, without first having to go through conventional therapies. It brings Australia more into line with best pr...
Open Post