*UPDATE* New bigger venue in response to demand and event time has changed to 5.30pm
Join ACT Independent Senator David Pocock for a briefing about the situation on the ground in Gaza from Dr. Mohammed Mustafa.
Dr. Mustafa has dedicated his medical career to serving vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
His recent humanitarian work has brought global attention to the healthcare crisis in Gaza, where he volunteered at Nasser and European hospitals in Khan Younis in June 2024, and returned to Gaza in March 2025 as the ceasefire collapsed.
This event will be live streamed on the night - click here to access.
Accessibility and Safety
The Parliament House Great Hall is located inside Parliament House and on the ground level through the foyer. We will have staff on hand to assist you to the venue. Public parking is available under the building, follow the signs for the main public entrance.
David is dedicated to ensuring that these events are inclusive spaces that can be attended by anyone. If there’s anything we can do to ensure you are able to attend and get the most out of the experience (e.g. by having an AUSLAN or other interpreter available), please email [email protected]
Please note, this briefing will contain distressing information related to the first hand experience of an emergency doctor in Gaza. We will have a counsellor on hand to assist if required.
Arriving and Parking
Arrive Early
This is a large event, so getting everyone parked, through security screening and seated before 5.30pm will be a mammoth task. Please plan to arrive about an hour early by 4.30pm.
Public Transport
If you are able to take public transport, I would encourage you to do so - it is the most efficient way to get there considering the number of guests. You can plan your journey on the Transport ACT website.
Parking
If you do decide to drive, there is public parking available under Parliament House which is free for the first two hours, and there are 12 disability accessible spaces available there. We have also arranged for the West Block carpark to be opened for the event. It is about a 10-minute walk up the hill from this carpark to the entrance. If those are full, you can also find parking on Federation Mall.
Security Screening and Entry
It is important to note that Parliament House closes to the public at 5pm. As this event is being held after hours, you will need to have registered to attend and there will be a number of standard security procedures in place that attendees need to follow, detailed below.
There will be staff in Team Pocock T-shirts on hand to help, as well as Department of Parliamentary Services staff.
Screening
As is usual practice for everyone (including staff and senators!) when you enter Parliament House, you will need to go through security screening at the public entrance. It’s similar to an airport, with all bags going through the x-ray and a walk through a metal detector. The security team will have a lot of people to get through and it will take time. It will really help them if you bring minimal items with you (phone and keys) and leave any bags or bigger items at home to make the screening process faster. If you do need to bring a bag, please be aware that random bag searches are also part of the usual Parliament House security protocol. Remember, if you can’t take it on a plane, you can’t bring it to Parliament.
Entering the Great Hall
Doors to the Great Hall will open at 4.45pm. The event is fully booked and there is limited seating, so we will need to check your name against the reservation list. Please don’t bring anyone with you who has not RSVP’d, as they won’t be able to enter. If you have reserved seats for other people, please arrive together. This will avoid delays in getting everyone seated.
Entering the galleries
There will also be seating in the galleries which are accessed via the stairs or elevator on the senate side of the Marble Foyer. If you have mobility issues and need a seat reserved, please let us know by emailing [email protected], or arrive nice and early so we can make sure you get seated in the Great Hall.
Visiting Parliament House
For those who are coming from outside Canberra and perhaps have not attended events at Parliament House before, there are a few things to be aware of. Banners, flags, signs, torches, loudspeakers, lights and political materials are not allowed, and protest activity is not permitted inside or on the forecourt. Clothing with slogans that could be deemed offensive are also not permitted. Security conducts random bag searches. Please be aware that there is an armed Australian Federal Police presence around Parliament - this is always the case. Please note some media may also be in attendance.
