Drew Pavlou | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Pavlou in 2022 | |
| Leader of the Democratic Alliance | |
| In office 21 September 2021 – 6 November 2023 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 June 1999 |
| Political party | Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance (2021–2023) |
| Education | |
| Known for | Student activism against the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese government |
Drew Pavlou (born 4 June 1999) is an Australian political activist best known for his criticism of the Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party, and their influence within Australia. Pavlou is also known for organising protests on-campus in support of the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, and for later protest activity against the Chinese government.
In May 2020, he was suspended for two years from the University of Queensland (UQ), which alleged 11 instances of misconduct. The action drew national attention in Australia, including from former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. An appeal of his case by the UQ Senate Disciplinary Appeals Committee upheld two of the initial charges and reduced his suspension to one semester. Pavlou returned to UQ in early 2021.
In December 2021, Pavlou launched the Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance federal political party. He ran for the Australian Senate in the 2022 Australian federal election, alongside five other candidates, but was unsuccessful. The party was voluntarily deregistered in November 2023.