Chris Spence (politician)

Christopher Edward Francis (Chris) Spence MP (born ca. 1975), an Australian politician, is a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing The Entrance for the Liberal Party of Australia since 2011.

Early career and background

Before becoming an MP, Spence played a prominent role in what was dubbed "Iguanagate",^[1] in which the then NSW minister for education, John Della Bosca, and his wife, federal politician Belinda Neal were accused of threatening and abusing the staff of Iguana Joe's restaurant in Gosford on June 6, 2008.^[2] Spence provided the paperwork, and witnessed the statutory declarations of six employees of Iguana Joe's, which was presented as evidence against the couplel.^[3] The scandal resulted in Della Bosca being stood down from his ministerial position and Kevin Rudd, in his first incarnation as prime minister, ordering Neal to undertake anger management counselling.

Political career

Spence joined the Liberal Party in his 30s, working as electoral officer for Liberal politician Chris Hartcher. Before this he had been a member of One Nation, serving as president of the party's youth wing and twice standing as its candidate in general elections.^[2] In November, 2009, he was preselected as the Liberal Party's candidate for The Entrance. His endorsement caused an uproar in state parliament over his former One Nation political involvement,^[4] with premier Nathan Rees attacking the party over the choice.^[5] Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said it represented a rise in extremism in the party and called for Spence to be disendorsed as a candidate.^[2]

At the 2011 state election, Spence was elected with a swing of 11.1 per cent and won the seat with 62.5 per cent of the vote on a two-party preferred basis.^[6] Spence's main opponent was Labor's David Mehan, the sitting member, Grant McBride, having not recontested the election.

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