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According to Peter Dutton, the housewives of Australia are at home doing their household budgets. According to Allegra Spender, women are out in the world demanding leadership who don’t expect them to be at home ironing.
Allegra is the Independent MP for Wentworth, focusing on bringing humanity back into politics, climate action, building a kinder, more inclusive society, and making sure those ‘women at home doing the budgets’ don’t crumble under the weight of the cost of living crisis we’re in right now.
Unsprisingly impressive, Allegra has degrees from Cambridge, University of London, Harvard and Dartmouth, deep corporate and public experience, and she’s doing it all as a mother of three.
We’re heading into a federal election this year, and because I think it’s so important we’re represented by someone who doesn’t think our place is in the kitchen, I’ve invited Allegra to chat with me about her hopes for the future. Full disclosure I campaigned for her last election and will be again this time. But with dual platforms of women and climate change that made her enter Parliament in the first place, I think you’ll like this chat even if you don’t like her politics.
In this episode we discuss:
- Allegra’s mandate to represent the values of her community.
- The lies that get told during election campaigns (and that it’s allowed!).
- Her view that we need to learn to disagree well as a society.
- The concern people have about opportunities, housing security, and cost of living.
- The effort her office goes to, to hear from the real voices of community, and the value of including all voices.
- The imperative of climate action after the hottest year on record, and Australia’s energy transition.
- The community battery Allegra was part of installing in Wentworth.
- The platforms that drove Allegra to politics – women and climate change.
- Her belief (like RGB) that women should be equally represented in Parliament and involved in national decision-making.
- Her war stories in politics – and some of the places she’s been able to drive significant change,
- How she balances work, travel and family, and building her kids’ independence.
- Her belief that it’s ok to care about your career, and that doesn’t mean you don’t also care about your kids.
- If you’re going to do hard things, you’re going to make mistakes.
About Allegra Spender
Allegra Spender is an accomplished business leader, clean energy advocate, and the independent Federal Member of Parliament for Wentworth, and a member of parliament’s Economics Committee and Migration Committee. With deep roots in the community, Allegra grew up in Wentworth and is now raising her own children in the area, driven by a passion to secure the same quality of life and opportunities for future generations.
Allegra’s academic background includes an Economics degree from Cambridge University, an MSc from the University of London, and advanced business courses at Harvard and Dartmouth College. Her professional journey began at McKinsey as a business analyst, where she gained expertise across diverse industries and business strategies. She further honed her skills as a policy analyst at the UK Treasury before taking on the role of Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, her family’s iconic fashion label.
As Chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company, Allegra spearheaded the installation of the largest CBD solar array in Australia at the time. Her commitment to social impact extended to her role as CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, where she partnered with leading Australian businesses to address educational disadvantages.
Allegra’s career reflects a dedication to integrity, innovation, and hard work. She brings the same focus to her role in Canberra, tirelessly advocating for families, young people, and local businesses.