Senator David Van is a Liberal Senator for Victoria, who was elected to the Senate in 2019. As part of this, and arguably as the main reason many Australians might recognise him, David has recently been very prominent in his support for the people of Ukraine. In this discussion, we speak with David about what this cause means to him and what the situation there might mean for all of us in Australia.
We also explore David’s fascinating background, which includes time as a horticulturalist, in public relations and as a ski instructor, as well as his extensive interest in, and study into the current geo-political environment – David holds a Master of International Relations degree from Monash University and is undertaking a Master of Strategy and Security degree at UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
With all of this going on, we also ask David what he does for himself – exactly how does he stay healthy, happy and sane in the course of his busy and diverse life?
1:20 David’s upbringing – and experience in horticulture, public relations and ski instructing (all, as it turns out, very useful preparatory skills for a career in politics!)
7:22 Why the career change into politics? (and how do you get into politics?)
10:00 David’s support for Ukraine – and his frontline experience there
15:30 Is the conflict winnable (or loseable?)
18:30 What more should the West – including Australia – be doing?
22:30 What does the Ukraine situation mean for our region – and in particular, Chinese attitudes towards Taiwan? And what should Australia be doing about this?
29:10 David’s views on the current state of democracy – and its ability to stand up against emerging totalitarian regimes
32:00 David’s reflections on the current state of the Liberal party
35:00 How does David stay sane, fit and healthy?
36:50 On Josh Frydenberg
39:40 David’s reading recommendations…
41:40 …and his power song!
44:40 What’s next for David?
www.unforgiving60.com
Email us at debrief@unforgiving60.com
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External Links
David’s website
Music
The Externals – available on Spotify
Ben Frichot - available on Spotify
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S3E17b – Hamish Blake: The Importance of Wheelies & Other Tips for Life
S3E17a – Hamish Blake: The Importance of Wheelies & Other Tips for Life
S3E16 – Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis – The Fighter Pilot Mindset
S3E15- Dr Dan Pronk and the Making of Resilience (Shield)
S3E14- Life on the Line Reciprocal: SAS Resilience with Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk and Tim Curtis
S3E13 – The Reverse Episode: Ben & Tim Talking Parenting with Jump Daddy and Dr Tom
S3E12 – Talking Parenting with Jump Daddy and Dr Tom from the Dad To Me Podcast
S3E11 – Dr Richard Magtengaard: Psychiatrist- Understanding Your Lizard Brain
S3E10 – Nicho Plowman – Meditation and the Cinema of Life
S3E9 – Dr Lies Notebaert: On Resilience & Adversity
@RV27- The Resilience RV
S3E8 – Pete Naschak: US Navy SEALs, Red Bull Athletes and Resilience Shepherds
@RV26 – On Simon Eastaugh, Lee Goddard and ‘Billy’ Billingham
S3E7 – A little further: Mark Billingham- From UK SAS Operator to in front of the camera
S3E6- Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC: The Pride of the Fleet!
S3E5 – Talking Elite Footy with Simon Eastaugh - Fremantle Football Club
@RV25 – Season 3 Opener! On Mick Neven, Jacqui Lambie, David Knoff and Nick Hudson
S3E4 – Nick Hudson: Chief of Push-ups - The Push-up Challenge
S3E3- Leadership in the Freezer- with Antarctic Station Leader David Knoff
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