About David

Senator David Van is an Independent Senator representing Victoria, having been elected to the Senate in 2019. He has become an expert in international relations having served on several committees, including the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT), where he held the position of deputy chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub Committee, as well as being a member of the Defence Subcommittee.

 Additionally, he has contributed to the Senate References Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Senate Select on Foreign Interference through social media and the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth. These committee roles have put Senator Van at the forefront of being an expert in Australia’s global role and the challenges it confronts.

In his role as a member of the Defence Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Senator  participated in crucial defence matters, visiting defence bases across Australia and engaging with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel on all levels.  Involvement in the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program  granted him the opportunity to visit domestic and Middle Eastern bases, allowing him to interact directly with soldiers and gain unique insights into the issues impacting Australia's Defence Force. His advocacy for ensuring Australia maintains the highest levels of capability, both sovereign and imported through multinational primes, has earned him recognition within the defence industry.

As a delegation member for the Asian Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Senator Van cultivated enduring relationships with foreign parliamentarians through his consistent participation. This involvement has facilitated his engagement in debates concerning regional and global matters of concern. Most recently, at APPF 30 hosted in Bangkok by Thailand, he collaborated closely with like-minded nations to successfully pass resolutions on regional security.

 Senator Van's academic background includes a Master of International Relations from Monash University. Currently, he is pursuing his Masters of Strategy and Security at the Australian Defence Force Academy, demonstrating his commitment to developing a comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving geopolitical security landscape and the potential responses policymakers can adopt.

In his previous role as Vice-Chair of the Australian Parliamentary Friendship groups of Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Spain and the Pacific Islands, Senator Van fostered strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relations with friends and allies worldwide. He actively utilises his positions in these roles to enhance Australia's connections, advance it's interests and continually refine our role as an international partner.

Senator Van's dedication to comprehending the security challenges facing Australia was exemplified by his visit to Ukraine in August 2022. During this trip, he met with  troops on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the utilisation of Australian-made and donated Bushmasters. The purpose of his visit was twofold: to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to ensure Australia maximises its understanding of modern warfare. This unwavering commitment to comprehending the security issues impacting Australia has provided him with unparalleled insights that set him apart from his colleagues.