🏉 Why I'm voting for David Pocock

"Hurry up mate. I'm hungry!"

V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

Like most Rugby forwards, one of my favourite parts of touring South Africa was (unsurprisingly) the food! With the best spot being a sushi joint at Cape Town’s Waterfront called Willoughby & Co.

I’d always rush to get changed after training, then make a bee line to the Waterfront and stuff my face with creamy rock shrimp maki, fresh salmon sashimi, and top it off with a Nutella espresso.

One day I was particularly ravenous after a big training session, and as we approached the restaurant, I’ll never forget David Pocock holding us up as he chatted to a homeless person while emptying his wallet.

Poey didn’t have much and I remember selfishly thinking “Hurry up Poey! I’m starving!” but that day has stuck with me, as it sums up the person he is and why I believe he’ll do the ACT proud if he’s elected to the Senate.

Now I know you need lots of political nous and not simply rely on being a nice guy (or gal) to make it in politics. Plus you’re probably thinking “Ben, you're just voting for him because he’s your mate".

While that may be partly true, I believe our next generation of leaders need to be humble and community focused, while always prioritising their own physical and mental health. Not career politicians towing party lines and keeping donors happy to score a cushy job post politics.

Smear campaigns against Poey have been disappointing to see, and after hearing that the ACT (outside of the parliamentary triangle) is one of the least funded areas of Australia makes me feel like some of our current leaders have been asleep at the wheel, and perhaps out of touch.

I want to be proud of the people who represent me and family, which is a statement I can’t say about an increasing number of our politicians. Something needs to change.

Australia is in a good place overall, but we have big issues on the horizon, and we need a new generation of leaders with different skills to tackle them head on.

Off season training with anti-poachers

Abs and biceps aside, Poey is one of the most honest, caring and hard working people I know, and that’s all I ask from our leaders.

No rocket surgery or splitting of the atom required. Just work hard and tell the truth.

2 things I know Poey will do till the cows come home, which has been evident in his campaign by attending a ridiculous number the community events. Plus renouncing his Zimbabwean citizenship is proof he’s committed to Canberra for the long haul, and must of been a difficult decision.

A community led campaign

But Poey aside, we need more leaders in politics who won’t just tow comprised party lines. Leaders who will speak up for what they believe is right, regardless of the consequences for their political career. Leaders who will work hard everyday day to improve the lives of the people they represent.

There are some… but we need more.

To read Poey’s policies, click here.

And if you’re voting for Poey and want to help out, please consider volunteering at a polling both on Election Day or share this post.

Cheers.