Duncan Spender

Duncan Peter James Spender (born 18 June 1975) is a former Australian politician. He briefly served as a Senator for New South Wales in 2019, filling a casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator David Leyonhjelm of the Liberal Democrats. He had previously been Leyonhjelm's chief of staff.

Duncan Spender
Senator for New South Wales
In office 20 March 2019 – 30 June 2019
Preceded by	David Leyonhjelm
Personal details
Born	(1975-06-18) 18 June 1975 (age 49)[1] Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Political party	Liberal Democrats
Other political affiliations	Independent

Early life

Spender was born in Brisbane.^[1] He is the son of former Federal Court (and Industrial Court) judge, Jeffrey Spender.^{[citation needed]}

Spender was a founding member of the Liberal Democratic Party in 2001.^[2] Before his appointment to the Senate, Spender worked as Leyonhjelm's chief of staff and senior adviser, and as the party's treasurer.^[3]

Senate

Spender was appointed to the Senate on 20 March 2019, following Leyonhjelm's decision to resign to contest the Legislative Council at the 2019 New South Wales state election. As the Parliament of New South Wales was dissolved for the election, Spender's appointment was made by the Governor, David Hurley,^[4] with the appointment to be endorsed by the parliament in its next session.^[5] This occurred on 8 May 2019.^[6]

Spender's seat was for a term that ended on 30 June 2019.^[7] He sat in the Senate for just two days, and Senate Estimates for two days.^[8] He was a candidate at the 2019 Australian federal election, but was not successful, ending the LDP's representation in the Senate.^[9]

Post-politics

In November 2019 Spender was appointed CEO of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania.^[10]

Spender unsuccessfully ran as a candidate in the 2022 Hobart City Council election.

References

1. "Citizenship Register: Spender, Senator Duncan – Senator for New South Wales" (PDF). Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
2. Aston, Heath (9 June 2016). "The party accused of forgetting women: Liberal Democrats call for 'more chicks'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
3. "Chief of staff lands former senator's job". SBS News. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
4. @SenatorRyan. "I have been advised that His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley (Ret'd), Governor of New South Wales has, pursuant to section 15 of the Constitution, appointed Duncan Spender to fill the Senate vacancy for caused by the resignation of David Leyonhjelm". Twitter. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
5. @SenatorRyan. "The appointment took effect immediately, but needed to be endorsed within 14 days of the commencement of the next session of the NSW Parliament". Twitter. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
6. "NSW Senator appointment brings respite for civil liberties and taxpayers". Medianet. Australian Associated Press. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
7. "Former Senator Duncan Spender". Senators and Members of the Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
8. Koziol, Michael (22 March 2019). "Meet Duncan Spender, poised to become one of Australia's shortest-serving senators". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
9. "Senate Results (NSW)". Australia Votes. ABC. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
10. "Fears proposed changes to Tasmania's Multicultural Council could leave communities without a voice". ABC News. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.