Philip Davis was elected to the Victorian Parliament as the Member for Gippsland Province in 1992 and was re-elected in 1999. In 2006, Philip contested and won the seat of Eastern Victoria Region in the reformed Upper House, he was re-elected in 2010.

Following his graduation from Geelong Grammar in 1970, Philip attended Marcus Oldham Farm Management College where he completed his Diploma of Farm Management. He has also completed other study including an Advanced Management Program at Macquarie University and a Company Directors Course at New England University.

Philip has had a lifetime of active involvement in farming and agri-politics. After gaining experience as a jackeroo, overseer and property manager, Philip ran his own farming operations, predominantly in livestock industries. He has been on the executive of the Victorian Farmers Federation and a member of the Wool Council of Australia. He was also the President of the VFF Industrial Association.

Community involvement is important to Philip, as he has demonstrated over the years through his active participation in a wide range of organisations. Apart from various roles with the VFF at a local level, including local district President, Philip has also been the Secretary of the Sale Rotary Club, Chairman of the Gippsland Lakes Management Council, a board member and Vice President of the Gippsland Base Hospital and Chairman of the Gippsland Grammar Foundation.

Philip served as the Kennett Government's Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources from 1996-1999. In Opposition, Philip has held the Shadow Portfolios of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Ports, Education, State Development, Energy & Resources, Country Victoria, Education, Finance and Manufacturing, Exports & Trade.

Philip was also the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council between December 2002 and February 2008.

Philip lives in Sale with his wife Elizabeth and their two daughters.