By Josephine Lim & Rory McClaren
Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has been charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance following an investigation into allegations of illicit substance use at his home. The charges stem from an arrest made on September 26, 2024, in Berri, where Speirs was questioned and his home was searched by police.
In a video posted to social media, Speirs confirmed the arrest and explained that he intends to fight the charges and clear his name. However, he also announced that he would be stepping down from his position as a member of the South Australian Parliament during the upcoming sitting week.
The charges relate to two separate incidents in early August, when Speirs allegedly supplied a controlled substance. South Australian Police confirmed that a search was conducted at his property on Strickland Road in Kingston Park as part of the ongoing investigation. Speirs was granted police bail and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Speirs stated in his video that his mental health had taken a significant toll due to the public scrutiny and the impact of the allegations on his personal life. He admitted that he had not been “the best version” of himself and acknowledged spending time with individuals who did not have a positive influence on him. He expressed that, because of these circumstances, he no longer felt able to adequately serve his community and would be resigning from Parliament. He also said he would suspend his membership with the Liberal Party while he works to resolve the matter, although he remains committed to Liberal values and the party’s cause at both the state and federal levels.
South Australian Liberal Leader Vincent Tarzia expressed support for Speirs’ decision, noting that while it is a difficult moment, the party respects his choice. Tarzia also said that the party is already focusing on selecting a candidate for the seat of Black, where Speirs has represented the community. He assured that the Liberal Party will do everything possible to retain the seat in the upcoming election.
Tarzia acknowledged that Speirs had been through a particularly challenging period but refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing legal process. Regarding Speirs’ claim that “someone sinister” was behind the situation, Tarzia clarified that he did not believe this referred to anyone within the Liberal Party, adding that Speirs had made it clear that it wasn’t someone from within the party.
Speirs also appealed for privacy, as the media attention surrounding his case has made life difficult for him and his family. He shared that the constant media intrusion has left him and his loved ones fearful to even go to their own homes, further compounding his mental health struggles.
With the legal process ongoing, Speirs’ future in politics appears uncertain, as he focuses on addressing the charges and rebuilding his personal life. His resignation from Parliament will mark the end of his career for the time being.
