David Speirs releases algal bloom recovery plan, doesn’t rule out political comeback
Former Liberal leader David Speirs released a 29-page algal bloom document overnight, sparking fresh speculation about his return to politics.
Former Liberal leader and convicted drug supplier David Speirs has refused to weigh in on his potential political comeback, as he releases a new plan suggesting ways to aid recovery from the harmful algal bloom.
Mr Speirs launched his new “Ideas for Recovery” website on Sunday, billed as “Transforming crisis into opportunity: Responding to South Australia’s algal bloom disaster”.
The main feature of the website is a 29-page document, suggesting how South Australia can bounce back from the algal bloom.
The ideas in the document draw on Mr Speirs’ experience as SA’s Environment Minister, a portfolio he held from 2018-2022.
Calling in to FIVEAA from Scotland on Monday, Mr Speirs refused to join speculation on whether the document was the first step in a political comeback, with rumours circulating he could be considering a run as an independent in the seat of Black at the upcoming state election, a seat he held for the Liberals from 2018-2024.
“I’m not making a commitment about the direction I’ll take my career in the future,” he said.
“I’ve said to you previously, I don’t feel that I’m done in terms of public service, there’s different ways that you can do that.
“I guess I’m in a pretty good place at the moment, in terms of my mental and physical health and I’m just looking for ways to contribute.”
In September, Mr Speirs had previously revealed his battle with suicidal ideation and self-worth in an interview on the Young Blood – Men’s Mental Health podcast.
The algal bloom recovery plan is based on Mr Speirs’ experience as SA’s Environment Minister, a portfolio he held from 2018-2022.
Rumours of Mr Speirs’ potential comeback came to the fore in August, when Mr Speirs saw an increase in public profile, walking the Kokoda Track in support of mental health groups.
Powerbrokers from Labor and the Liberals told The Advertiser at the time that they were developing campaigns based on Mr Speirs recontesting his seat.
Mr Speirs told The Advertiser in August that “standing for re-election is definitely not front of mind at the moment”.
Mr Speirs left parliament in October 2024, after The Advertiser published a forensically-authenticated video of him appearing to snort white powder on June 30, 2024.
He was later convicted of two counts of supplying cocaine and fined $9000.
Mr Speirs held the seat of Black, and its predecessor Bright, from 2014-2024, retaining the seat in 2022 with a swing of 6.5 percent against the Liberal party.
The seat is currently held by Labor’s Alex Dighton, who won the seat in the by-election forced by Mr Speirs’ resignation from parliament.
