Key facts
- Pocock proposed a 25% tax on gas exports.
- He suggested a 5% levy on data centers.
- Transparency reforms for lobbyists were also proposed.
- Pocock called for increased welfare, health, and aged care funding.
- He advocated for a new political collective of independents.
Senator David Pocock delivered his first speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, outlining his policy ambitions and vision for Australian politics. Pocock stated he is not planning a bid for prime minister, but rather aims to build a new kind of community political collective. He called for a higher standard of political discourse, citing an alleged attack on MP Helen Haines and branding parliamentary question time a 'disgrace'. Pocock proposed three key policy reforms: a 25% tax on gas exports, a 5% levy on data centers to capitalize on the AI boom, and transparency reforms for lobbyists. He argued that revenue from the gas tax could fund significant boosts to welfare, health, and aged care services. Pocock also suggested an alliance of independents and community-based movements, aiming to influence the national conversation and political landscape.