Independent Senator welcomes deaf people using Auslan in speech

ACT Independent Senator David Pocock delivered his maiden speech to the federal parliament during which he welcomed the deaf community using Auslan.

In preparation for his first speech, Senator Pocock asked if he could have an Auslan interpreter on the floor of the Senate.

Senator Pocock said both major parties denied his request a decision he branded disappointing Instead, Senator Pocock said that as Senator Pocock delivered his first speech to the chamber, Auslan interpreter Mandy Dolejsi appeared on a large TV behind him and was also broadcasting his words for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

When I was asked by people in our community to have this first speech live-translated into Auslan, I didn't hesitate to say yes, Senator Pocock said.

But Senator Pocock said the compromise that had been struck to have Ms Dolejsi in a studio and not on the chamber floor was the difference between accessibility and inclusion. Today we have achieved the former but not the latter. He said that he hopes we can achieve both in the future.

New senator doubles down on action on climate change, restoring territory rights and restoring territory rights.

Senator Pocock made history on the night of the federal election when he became the first senator from a major party.

One of the so-called teal independents he had campaigned on a range of issues including climate change and territory rights.

In addressing the chamber, Senator Pocock reiterated his support for the issues, saying he wanted to be a peace broker in the 47th Parliament. There is no greater challenge than facing the climate and biodiversity crises we face.

The systems that sustain life on earth are at the brink of collapse. The climate is breaking down and the impacts are now being felt with distressing regularity.

Senator Pocock supported a bill introduced by Canberra MP Alicia Payne and her Northern Territory colleague Luke Gosling on Monday.

If successful, the bill would repeal the 1996 ban on territories debating voluntary assisted dying laws.

It is time for us to restore the right of the territories to make decisions for themselves. Senator Pocock said that the ACT gets to make decisions about the future of Canberrans, not the MPs from around the country whose constituents already enjoy these same rights.

This is not the first time that the parliament has tried to repeal the Andrews Bill. I hope it will be the last. In closing his speech, Senator Pocock pledged to use his power as an independent senator and crossbencher in the best interests of the people of the ACT For too long we have been neglected, ridiculed, looked down on or flat out ignored, he said.

We are not in a safe seat since the ACT got less than a quarter of our infrastructure funding by the head of population.

I would like to say thank you to the people of the ACT. I will work on your behalf for the next three years, whether you voted for me or not.

I'm committed to being transparent and accessible, and I know that you will hold me accountable.