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Portrait of David Ettershank

David Ettershank

Legalise Cannabis Party · Victoria · Victorian Legislative Council · Western Metropolitan (VIC) · incumbent

David Ettershank became politically active in Queensland in the late 1970s, participating in campaigns against uranium mining and for the right to march under the Bjelke-Petersen government, influenced by opposition to the Vietnam War and apartheid, and spent a decade in the Communist Party of Australia. He holds qualifications in Asian Studies and Industrial Relations and spent two decades working as an industrial and education officer in unions across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria. No reliable details on his birth date, birthplace, or schools attended were found. [source]

Sourced positions

A verified position is the member's own stated view or vote, supported by the listed sources. This page records public statements and conduct only — see methodology.

Freedom of speech verified

Voted for the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024, which repealed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and expanded vilification protections (Legislative Council, second reading, 1 April 2025; Ayes 22, Noes 17). Voted against the Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2025, which allows police to direct the removal of face coverings at protests and expands stop, search and move-on powers (Legislative Council, second reading, 2 December 2025; Ayes 30, Noes 8).

Drugs & law and order verified

Legalise Cannabis Party MLC. Ettershank introduced the Road Safety Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2023 and successfully amended an omnibus roads bill so that from 1 March 2025 medicinal cannabis patients driving unimpaired no longer automatically lose their licence, with magistrates given discretion on impairment. He also welcomed the government's Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024, saying 'drug checking has been effective in saving lives wherever it has been provided.' His party also introduced a bill for personal adult use of cannabis.

Gambling & gaming reform verified

Voted for the second reading of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Repeal and Advisory Councils Bill 2024, which abolished the Foundation (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 23, Noes 13).

Hunting (duck & native birds) verified

Voted for establishing the Legislative Council's Select Committee on Victoria's Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements, on the motion to establish it (Legislative Council, 9 March 2023; Ayes 20, Noes 15). The committee's majority report later recommended ending recreational native bird hunting. Voted against Jeff Bourman's motion on deer hunting (Legislative Council, 13 November 2024; Ayes 32, Noes 6; agreed to).

Native forest logging verified

Voted for the third reading of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024, which repealed the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 following the cessation of native forest logging on 1 January 2024 (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 20, Noes 12).

Animal welfare verified

Voted for Georgie Purcell's motion on wildlife rescue (Legislative Council, 20 March 2024; Ayes 22, Noes 13; agreed to).

Record last updated 2026-08-13.