iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

For months I have been a thorn in the government's side asking pesky questions about data centres. I've been told to focus on 'bong water' when raising questions about what these mammoth consumers of water and energy mean for our neighbourhoods. #datacentre #NextDC

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

From tradies and teachers to nurses and MPs, drug use doesn't define who we are. As One Nation's Warren Pickering opens up about his past drug use, I reflect on how far the conversation has come. Drug use is a health issue, not a criminal one and people deserve dignity and compassion. #Vicpol

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Congratulations to Chris and Lennon from All Kids Junior Landcare for their fantastic work on Stony Creek. It is a privilege to have such intrepid environmentalists as constituents.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I’m thrilled to be passing the joint to Xavier Menta in Western Metropolitan Region. He has the energy and optimism to be a fantastic member of Parliament as a much-needed voice for young people and, of course, for cannabis law reform. Please show your support for his campaign. 💚

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Communities are furious while the data centre industry is handing itself community engagement awards. And guess who was a Platinum Partner at the fancy awards ceremony at the Crown? Invest Victoria - the Victorian Government's investment agency 🏆🏆

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Pauline and myself have more in common that you'd think. Pleased to see her sticking up for those of us who are often excluded and stigmatised. Cheers Pauline 💨💨💨

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Congratulations GreenSquareDC 🏆 They've won an industry award for community engagement for the proposed data centre in Spotswood. The same project that's been on the front page of The Age amid opposition from locals You don't need community support to win at the game of community consultation.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Mount Atkinson was sold with big promises. Years later, residents had to fight just to get a bus. If developers use promises about future communities to sell homes, they should be accountable for what they promise. That's why we've introduced our Developer Integrity Bill

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Today, we voted with the opposition & half the crossbench in pursuit of some very basic scrutiny on the working from home bill, through a short & sharp inquiry. We 100% support flexible working arrangements and working from home. Our own staff have WFH arrangements in place...

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Residents in West Footscray are already living with the impacts of data centres, while the government 'ruthlessly' pushes ahead with its AI boom. There are still too many unanswered questions about what these developments mean for local communities.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Did you know I love gardening? Today I spoke about the joy that spring brings to Victorian gardens and why people should be allowed to grow their own cannabis for personal use. It's time Victoria let people grow their own.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Swimming pools, train stations, and Westfield shopping centres are just a few of the amenities touted in housing developers' brochures for the west. Unfortunately, often it is just empty promises. Tomorrow, we plan to introduce the Developer Integrity Bill to hold these people to account.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The ABC looked at data for fire stations & identified suburbs where the number of trucks offline for repair has hit critical levels & the volume of callouts has increased. Melton, Tullamarine & Sunbury are all mentioned in the report. These are areas that are earmarked for data centre development.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Finally, some good news, the government is realising there is life west of the Maribyrnong! The amazing communities that rallied together for Leakes Road and Taylor's Road are now seeing some great wins 💪💪💪

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

The Premier is expected to announce a new data centre package tomorrow. If it brings in proper rules for the industry, good. They are badly needed. But if this is just an empty election announcement dressed up as regulation, we’ll say so. We’ll be looking at the detail tomorrow.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

There’s a big AI and data centre industry summit coming to Melbourne next week. Today I was very happy to be at a different kind of summit, one organised by the community. We talked about what the data centre boom means for Victoria our power grid, water and planning.

Man holding a microphone and gesturing with a paper in front of an audience.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It was great to meet with advocates from Melbourne City Mission at Parliament and also to hear directly from young people about their experiences. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended 500 supported housing places for young people.

Four people holding signs that say 'SAFE HOMES STRONG FUTURES for young Victorians' in front of a wooden door.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I asked the Premier whether the government would consider bringing the community together through a Citizens’ Assembly to help shape Footscray’s future.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Four years already? Gosh, hasn't that flown by. We've got a little shindig planned to celebrate Parliament wrapping up, but now there's an extra sitting week, it's an ALMOST wrap-up. 📅 Sat. 19 September 🕥 7:30 pm 📍 Sunshine location shared upon RSVP Hope you can make it!

Event poster for Parliament Wrap-Up on 19 September with David Ettershank.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Transparency rules exist for a reason, to hold our politicians to account. This government's blasé approach to disclosure would lend you to believe those mechanisms no longer apply.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Great to be able to talk all things Parliament and our Planning Amendment Restricting Fast Food Developments Bill with year 9 Eltham College City Campus Global Citizen students. Gratz to Allegra McCrohan and Jack Dixon.

Person in white shirt flanked by two students in uniforms standing in a classroom.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

One Nation are coming for women's reproductive rights. Women in the western suburbs already face long wait times to access important health care, now they're going to have a party moralising to them as they wait.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

What happens to a petition when it reaches Parliament? In episode two of 'Clearing the Smoke', I'll explain where petitions go and whether they can actually change anything.💨💨💨

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

This week Queen’s Hall was transformed into a horticultural wonderland. In 2024 Victoria's horticultural production was valued at $4.6 billion. Imagine what we could do with the extra $1 billion of government income we would get taxing cannabis. Have a great weekend people.

Three men holding awards standing in front of a floral wall with 'Greenlife Industry Victoria' illuminated sign.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Integrity matters. Perception matters. Yesterday, Labor and the L/NP combined to defeat a motion calling for stronger integrity rules for ministers. Their dismissal and contempt for basic transparency was shameful, so I gave them a spray. 7 sitting days left. I'm taking it one spray at a time.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Burning rubbish doesn't make the problem disappear. Important article from the ABC featuring the concerns of communities living near proposed waste-to-energy facilities. Communities need stronger protections. Link in comments.

David Ettersank standing with a serious expression in front of columns.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Despite community concerns and compelling expert evidence finding a range of hazards associated with waste-to-energy, the govt and opposition members of the inquiry voted against taking action to prevent these harms before incinerators are built. The fight continues. ✊

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Today, Victoria’s waste to energy inquiry hands down its final report. Communities across Victoria have raised serious questions about these facilities. Today, those communities are coming to Parliament. 📍 Parliament House 🕐 12pm today Come along and make your voice heard.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Victoria is in a multibillion-dollar data centre boom, raising community concerns about power, water, and neighborhoods. Ministerial diaries, meant to ensure transparency, are now 55 days overdue. Victorians deserve to know who influences the government.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I came into Parliament as a political outsider, and honestly, I'm still baffled by the way this place works. So I'm taking you behind the scenes to clear some of the smoke. 💨💨💨 Send me your questions and I'll tackle them in Clearing the Smoke.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Full house here in Melton for the Metro Transport Forum, plenty of questions about what our rapidly growing West actually needs. We need a coordinated transport plan for a growing West, enough of this piecemeal approach to our communities.

Four people at a table during a panel discussion, one standing at a podium.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Modular hemp construction is a promising alternative for affordable, low-emission housing. Hemp grows rapidly, absorbs carbon while growing, and continues to store carbon when used as a building material. So why is a valuable building material still stuck under an act designed for drugs and poisons?

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

It's been a rough week for democracy in Victoria. The government voted to make it harder for smaller parties to get elected, then they voted to deny Victorians a say on cannabis reform.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

People in the western suburbs are tired of being treated like second-class citizens. Sunbury residents are raising legitimate concerns about the environmental costs of these 'investment opportunities'.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

This story is not going away and rightly so. The people of Sunbury deserve answers, the proposed incinerator could barely supply 8% of the energy required to power a one-gigawatt data centre.

Man wearing glasses standing outside, looking at the camera.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

It's a great day to debate the merits of giving Victorians a say on legalising cannabis. Polls show: ✅ 80% of Australians support direct democracy in principle. ✅ 80% of Australians support removing criminal penalties for personal cannabis use. Debate is scheduled for 3:30(ish). #SpringSt

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

According to an article in The Star, HiQ were only 'exploring' their dystopic data centre development. They have removed all links to their investment brochure, but questions remain. How much did the government know about this development?

Menu listing HiQ Victoria projects like waste-to-energy and industrial park.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

HiQ is contemplating a data centre of up to ONE GIGAWATT at Sunbury. That's more than four times the stated capacity of NEXTDC's M3 data centre in West Footscray. How far has all this progressed and what does the Victorian Government know about it?

Layout of a data centre with a 3D model depiction.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Article in yesterday's Sunday Herald Sun. We want the Government and Opposition to commit to a plebiscite on legalising cannabis in the next term of Parliament. Enough delays, let the people have their say. #SpringSt

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Online reporter Avi Yemini says he wants to funnel votes from left-wing voters to right-wing parties at the November state election, so he’s registered the 'Free Palestine Party'. By 'Free Palestine', he means from Hamas. This is designed to trick voters, and sadly it's a well-trodden path.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

In the absence of accurate information on data centres, communities are attempting to fill the void. Thank you to the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly for highlighting the new community 'Wiki'. This is a Wikipedia style resource on the growing number of data centres in our community.

Newspaper article titled 'Track data boom' about a community-led initiative tracking data centres.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Lithium batteries stored in data centres overseas have exploded creating self-sustaining fires. Fire Rescue Victoria insiders have raised the alarm on 'thermal runways' that cause highly toxic fumes. #datacentre #vicpol

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

We've had years of inquiries, reviews and consultations, yet the government continues to ignore all the evidence. If they won't act, let the people decide.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Over 5.4 million Australians live with chronic pain. I am one of them. Nearly 800,000 have been prescribed medicinal cannabis yet still face stigma. This National Pain Week, I'm standing with Victorians for a fairer approach to accessing pain medication. #NationalPainWeek

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

How can Victoria fast-track billion-dollar data centres but can't deliver a rail line promised over a decade ago? The Melton line electrification was promised in 2014. #Vicpol #Melton #PublicTransport

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Pain can make even the smallest task seem impossible. No one living with chronic pain should be judged for seeking evidence-based treatment that helps them get through the day. #nationalpainweek #MedicinalCannabis #LegaliseCannabisVictoria

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

While I didn’t see eye-to-eye with Jacinta Allan on many issues, I wish her well as she prepares to hand over the reins at an important time in our state’s history. For almost four years now we have been calling for commonsense drug reform in the Parliament.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Getting a moratorium on data centres will take communities, organisations & campaigners working together. This week I attended Borderlands Cooperative's organising meeting and its shaping up to be a bit of a resource hub for the many different campaigns. Join us. Don't get angry, get organised. ✊

People in a room having a meeting with a presenter and a projection screen.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Last night's ABC Four Corners shone a light on Australia's broken affordable housing system. While developers benefit from subsidies and fast-tracked approvals, many so-called "affordable homes" remain out of reach for those who need them most. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07...

abc.net.au

Property developers are benefiting from Australia's housing crisis

State and federal governments are offering incentives for property developers in exchange for more affordable housing. But a Four Corners investigation has uncovered major flaws in the strategy.

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David Ettershank MP @davidettershankmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Pam the bird has a simple message for all Victorians.

Highway sign with 'Legalise Cannabis' written on columns.

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