David Pocock is an Australian politician and former professional rugby union player who has served as an Independent Senator for the Australian Capital Territory since July 2022. Born in Zimbabwe in 1988, Pocock moved to Australia with his family as a teenager and became one of the country's most celebrated rugby players, captaining the national Wallabies team and earning 83 international caps as an openside flanker. Known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field, he played professionally for the ACT Brumbies and briefly for Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights before retiring from international rugby in 2019. Throughout his sporting career, Pocock demonstrated a strong commitment to social and environmental causes, including climate action and refugee rights.
Pocock's transition to politics was marked by his successful 2022 Senate campaign, where he defeated Liberal incumbent Zed Seselja to become the first non-Labor, non-Liberal senator elected in the ACT since self-government began in 1989. His political platform centers heavily on climate action, integrity in government, and social justice issues. As a crossbench senator, Pocock has positioned himself as a key vote in the upper house, advocating for stronger emissions reduction targets, federal anti-corruption measures, and improved treatment of asylum seekers. He has been particularly vocal about the need for Australia to transition away from fossil fuels and has used his platform to push for more ambitious climate policies. His approach to politics emphasizes evidence-based policy making and constructive engagement across party lines, drawing on his experience as a team captain to build consensus on complex issues.