David Speirs Convicted of Supplying Cocaine, Fined A$9,000

David Speirs, the former leader of South Australia's Liberal Party and opposition leader, has been convicted of supplying cocaine following the release of a video showing him snorting a white substance, which he initially claimed was a 'deepfake.' He later admitted to the offense and pleaded guilty to two counts of drug supply involving incidents unrelated to the video, supplying cocaine to two men in August 2024. The Adelaide Magistrates Court imposed a fine of A$9,000 and ordered 37.5 hours of community service, recording convictions on both counts despite his lawyer's plea to avoid a conviction for travel reasons. Magistrate Brian Nitschke acknowledged Speirs' public service but emphasized that the seriousness of the offenses and the need for deterrence outweighed mitigating factors related to stress and exhaustion in his political role. The scandal led to intense media scrutiny and Speirs' resignation from parliament, effectively ending his political career. The court highlighted the importance of public denunciation for such offenses, especially given Speirs' senior political position.