4 days ago
Disgraced former Opposition leader suffers another embarrassing blow months after cocaine scandal ended his political career
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs has suffered another embarrassing setback, being refused a liquor licence for his own charity event.
The 40-year-old retired from politics after a video surfaced online appearing to show him snorting a white substance.
Thursday night's fundraiser, held at the Marino Community Hall south-east of Adelaide 's CBD, was organised to support Speirs' upcoming walk along the Kokoda Track later this month.
Proceeds are going to two men's mental health charities, Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation and The Man Cave.
The event was promoted as an 'evening of delicious paella, fine wines, and great jazz', but no wine could be served.
Spiers pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying a controlled substance to another person on separate occasions in August last year.
His lawyer had urged the court not to record a conviction, arguing it would prevent him from travelling overseas.
But the Adelaide Magistrates Court fined him $9,000, recorded two convictions, and ordered him to complete 37-and-a-half hours of community service.
The conviction is why Spiers was unable to secure the licence.
Under the Liquor Licensing Act, 'a person is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence if the person has been found guilty or convicted of an offence'.
This also includes a 'controlled drug'.
A South Australian government spokesperson confirmed to The Advertiser that they would not have granted the request had Spiers requested.
'On 14 August Mr Speirs contacted our CBS (Consumer Business Service) seeking advice on a short term liquor licence for the event he was planning that same evening,' the spokesperson said.
'He was advised of the fit and proper person requirements under the Liquor Licence Act.
'Mr Speirs advised CBS he would not be submitting an application.'
The event still went ahead, and did make good on the promise of jazz music, with attendees instead served coffee as a beverage option.
Spier's posted on social media saying the event was a success.
'What an incredible night! The room was buzzing and it was amazing to see so many people coming together for such an important cause. Nights like this remind us how powerful community really is,' he wrote.
Tickets to the event cost $70, or $55 for concessions.
So far Spiers has raised more than $6,200 towards his $10,000 goal, according to his fundraising page.
On the page, Spiers mentions his own mental health struggles, which he faced following the end of his time as SA Liberal leader.
'Life can be real tough sometimes. Things happen which are sometimes within our control and sometimes outside of our control and often a bit of both,' he said.
'This can lead people to dark and scary places. I know. I've been there. Some days I still find myself there. But I'm doing well overall thanks to the incredible support I've had from across our community'.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Speirs is weighing a political comeback, with plans to run as an Independent in the 2026 South Australian election.
It is understood his frustration over the state's ongoing algal bloom crisis, which has killed more than 400 marine species, is a key factor driving his potential return.
