Speirs Nominates for Black Seat Despite Conviction

0:00From Adelaide, this is your February 27th update. David Spears, the former liberal opposition leader in South Australia, has officially nominated to run again in the black seat for the state election. He stepped down from parliament last year after facing drug charges, later pleading guilty to two counts of supplying a controlled substance and receiving a $9,000 fine. That resignation led to a buy election in black last November, which labors Alex Dytin, one handily. First first entered parliament back in 2014, rising to environment minister under the previous liberal government before taking the party leadership after their 2022 election defeat. Now, questions swirl around his eligibility. Officials from the electoral commission initially flagged that his conviction for an indictable offense would block him from public campaign funding, and possibly nomination itself. But the commission walked that back a bit, saying they'll only decide once all nominations roll in. Spears remains confident there's a way forward for his bid.

1:03Meanwhile, the South Australia Liberal Party has already picked Reeves Bishop as their official candidate for black ahead of the March 21st. Vote. This story is made possible by our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound.