Alan Stockdale

Alan Robert Stockdale (born 21 April 1945) is the current president of the Liberal Party and a former Victorian state Deputy Liberal leader. He was Treasurer of Victoria in the government of Jeff Kennett from 1992 to 1999.

Having attended Melbourne High School during his secondary years, Stockdale undertook his tertiary education at the University of Melbourne, obtaining his LL.B. in 1967 followed by his B.A. in 1970. Whilst at University, he was active within the Melbourne University Liberal Club, becoming President in 1965. He also chaired both the Melbourne University Debating Union and Melbourne University Debating Society, representing the University as an inter-varsity debating representative in 1966.

Upon completion of his tertiary education, Stockdale pursued a legal career as a self-employed barrister, specialising in industrial relations. In 1977, he was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, followed by the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1982. Stockdale also signed the High Court Roll of Practitioners in 1977.

On 2 March 1985, Stockdale was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the Member for Brighton, a staunchly held safe seat for the Liberal Party of Australia. Stockdale then served on various Committees in opposition. In 1989 he was elected deputy leader of the State Liberal Party which also saw his running mate Alan Brown being elected leader by ousting Jeff Kennett. However Brown and Stockdale were deposed when Jeff Kennett made his comeback in 1991.

When the Liberal government of Jeff Kennett was elected in 1992, Stockdale became Treasurer. He is also credited with being the World's first Minister for Multimedia, to which portfolio was added the additional responsibility of Information Technology in 1998.

Upon retiring from state parliament in 1999, Stockdale proceeded to accept positions within the Macquarie Bank Ltd, as Executive Chairman, Asset & Infrastructure Group, as well as the Chairmanship of Axon Instruments Inc. He has also been appointed as Chairman, Symex Holdings Ltd; Executive Chairman, Infrastructure, Macquarie Bank Ltd; Director, Melbourne Football Club 1999-2001 and; Partner, Mills Oakley Lawyers 2005.

Stockdale became president of the Liberal Party in February 2008.^[1]

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