We all know the story of Mal Meninga’s (very) short stint in politics but former Wallaby captain David Pocock has already lasted longer after announcing he’s running as an independent candidate in the ACT senate.
Pocock is of course no stranger to political activism and he was passionate about various issues when playing for the Wallabies in his 78-Test career.
He’s particularly passionate about the environment and was arrested in 2014 after chaining himself to a digger at a coal mine.
Pocock is hoping to become the first independent senator for the ACT.
“Like everyone, I’ve been watching politics over the last three years and getting increasingly frustrated at the way politicians aren’t addressing the big issues we’re facing and aren’t actually representing communities,” he said.
“We’ve currently got a Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister who keep telling us that people don’t want government in their lives.
While it’s one thing to run for a political seat, it’s another getting in but Pocock firmly believes he has the support.
“I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I could win,” he said.
As well as climate change, Pocock wants to make a difference in ACT legislative rights, and give Indigenous people more say in how Australia is run.
“The Uluru statement from the heart is just such an incredibly generous offer from First Nations Australians to actually begin the process of truth and reconciliation. I think it’s well overdue,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
In a 25-second social media post, Pocock gave a clear mission statement on what he wants to achieve if elected.
“We need people who will make decisions that build a great future for all of us,” he said.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
geez move on. What is it about reading 3 week old articles? He has PROVED he is a goose and has had plenty of "breaks" but still managed to EFF Up. Arrested, running out on contracts, pretending he isnt injured. History tells the future!!
USrugger
Roar Rookie
Man...Jacko. Tall poppy syndrome running amok... Give the man a break. He'll prove himself, or crash. He deserves that.
USrugger
Roar Rookie
Rather have his info rammed than some of the other clowns... I do fear he has too much integrity for politics, though. FYI: nothing actually 'gets rammed'. If you don't like it, don't vote for him.
Dirkdiggler
Roar Rookie
No thanks David. You were a great rugby player. But all you have done since is moan. You ripped off the ARU because of the sabbatical and now you want to free load off the Aussie govt. Go home to Zimbabwe and disappear.
USrugger
Roar Rookie
Go DP!!! You'll be a breath of fresh air!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Nope. Im saying I have no idea if he will be a decent Pollie and neither does anyone else till we see it in action. There is no right or wrong opinion on it yet.
PeterCtheThird
Guest
All you are really saying, at some length, is that you think your opinion is correct and that all other opinions are incorrect. You could save time and energy by just shouting “Me right! You wrong!”
PeterCtheThird
Guest
Except that is complete BS. Try the LNP dumping the vehicle industry, encouraging casual is action of the workforce, no-hours contracts… the reasons they can claim to have boosted jobs are (a) recovery from the pandemic (which they stuffed completely) and (b) counting one hour a week as being employed.. but tell yourself what you need to.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Your comment shows he's already winning. . He's got a few months before he more than likely falls over but in that time his policies will get thousands of column inches, current pollies will be asked to respond to his policies, he will get on TV talk shows, radio talk shows, sports shows, across social media and the news. . Sheesh, never say never, the City of Perth Mayor is some bozo Radio DJ.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
James I dont think you know either.
max power
Guest
you are gravely mistaken if you think they are the biggest issues
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Get a grip Bob, as if you care to follow or listen to news reports, you'd find 'Spud' has a new name, & IMO it really is so suitable.
piru
Roar Rookie
Politics has no room for idealists. Whose fault is that though? We get the politicians we deserve
piru
Roar Rookie
Yep, he was a very common sight at Britannia on a Saturday morning during his days at the Force
piru
Roar Rookie
He seems to be achieving all of those. Apart from the “Keeping Australians together being impossible at present which ones do you say he hasnt? Do Australians tend to fall apart if there's no one to keep them together? He's set the submarine program back 20+ years with his complete muck up of the French deal - does that make us safer? Is the economy strong? What has he done to make it so? It's all nonsense marketing speak, same as everything that curr of a human does.
piru
Roar Rookie
It is a bit much when saying women give birth gets you in trouble with some but saying men give birth too gets you in trouble with others. Yep, I used to be as lefty as it gets, but this "nothing is good enough" combined with the "woker than thou" attitude that soured me
James584
Roar Rookie
Don’t waste your time with old mate Jacko. “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” Mark Twain.
James584
Roar Rookie
I don’t think, I know.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Reds Might you be suggesting, that prior to 2025 election, DP & wife will migrate, to whichever state in the Commonwealth, is where it is most likely, the sitting Greens Senator will be retiring/ed? I’m personally, not sufficiently cynical, to personally dare, to suggest such a thing! :shocked: Cheers KP :silly:
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
"adviser to the Greens Senator SHY" Sarah Sea-Patrol? I didn't know that! You surely would scrub that stain off your résumé quick smart! Not a real flash start for Davey Boy! :stoked: Jan 31 '14 was a fabulous day in Senate Inquiry folklore, with Sarah Helter-Skelter strutting about accusing Immigration officials of crafting current illegal reffo interceptions on the basis of a fictional series on ABC TV which ended in July 2011! Our Sarah: “We have a television show publicising the techniques you are using for border protection at airports (Seven’s Border Protection) we have another show of course about the Coast Guards - there does seem to be a double standard here." Mike Pezzullo, CEO of Customs and Border stuff: “Sorry Senator the show about the Coast Guards, is that the fictional Sea Patrol program? I don’t know the one you are talking about.” I was watching him and if he had attempted to respond further he would have fallen to the floor in helpless laughter!