‘Underdog candidacy’: Drew Pavlou on running for Senate at the next federal election

·

22-year-old, Drew Pavlou, was suspended from the University of Queensland last year for protesting against Chinese government influence on Australian university campuses.

His case received international attention and he became a martyr of free speech as his actions enraged the Chinese Communist Party.

Now, over a year later, he’s opened up to The Australian about his new life after going through a “really dark place.”

“Now that I look back on it, I was just so agitated at the time and I was probably quite unwell mentally,” Pavlou told The Australian from his ­parents’ home in Coorparoo, Brisbane.

Drew Pavlou. Picture: Justine Walpole.

“I was ­trying to show a brave face and tough-guy image because, like, I didn’t want to ever be seen as weak… I haven’t talked about this much in the media. I think it got to a point where I did have a sort of breakdown.

“Mentally, I was in a really dark place. I really wanted to die at certain points. Not to the point of taking my own life, but if I got struck down by lightning or if I got hit by a car or something like that, that’d be fine.”

Despite this, Pavlou says he’s getting his life back on track and has resumed the final leg of his Arts degree at The University of Queensland. He’s also reconnected to the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, where he was baptised.

“I have rekindled my Christian faith. That became a big thing for me in trying to remove the hubris, in trying to see something above myself… I’d been quite spiritual when I was younger,” Pavlou said.

“For me, it was always just about the fact that it’s founded on love and compassion… that was my experience of it when I was younger. And I guess I lost that a bit when I grew older and went to university. I’d just gone away from that, sort of drifted away from it.”

With this new outlook on life, his latest plans are to now form his own party and run for the Senate at the next federal election. 

“It’s very much an underdog candidacy. I like the David-versus-Goliath odds. Never say never, right? I’m just going to try and sell a positive vision,” he said to The Australian.

“I’m going to explain my beliefs, how they’re founded very much on humanitarian ­values, how I want a fair economy, how I want to put human rights at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy. I’m not going to be doing the crazy aggressive attacks that I was sort of known for.”

Source: The Australian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Paul Grapsas’ family confronts his killer in court after fatal stabbing in Geelong

The family of Paul Grapsas, a 40-year-old father from Geelong fatally stabbed in 2023, has come face-to-face with his killer, Bailey Clifford.

Vasili’s Taxidi: Our Hidden Gems – Kosta Anagnostou and “Con’s Handmade Shoes”

One shop that is definitely a hidden gem in our community is Kostas Anagnostou’s “Con’s Handmade Shoes” situated in the quiet, inner-city suburb of Hurlstone Park.

‘Lived and loved’: Tributes flow for NT politician’s son after fatal motorbike crash in Greece

Alice Springs Independent, Robyn Lambley has paid tribute to her son, Harry Lambley after he died in a motorbike crash in Greece this week.