David Michael studied Economics at the University of Western Australia and, while at university, joined both the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Republican Movement. At 25 years old, David was voted in as the youngest Councillor the City of Stirling has ever had. He held that role for 12 years, including two years as Deputy Mayor, before being elected to State Parliament as the Member for Balcatta in March 2017. In 2021, David was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier after previously serving as the Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly for his first term of Parliament. In June 2023, David was appointed as Minister for Ports; Local Government; Road Safety; and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport. In December he was handed the portfolio of Mines and Petroleum while relinquishing Local Government.