Alan Stockdale
Alan Robert Stockdale is an Australian former politician who was the President of the Liberal Party of Australia from 2008 to 2014 and a former deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. He represented the seat of Brighton in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1985 to 1999, and served as the Treasurer of Victoria in the government of Jeff Kennett from 1992 to 1999.
Early life
After attending 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. While 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 at inter-varsity debates in 1966.Legal career
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.Political life
On 2 March 1985, Stockdale was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the Member for Brighton, a very safe seat for the Liberal Party. Stockdale served on various parliamentary committees in opposition. In 1989, he unsuccessfully contested the leadership of the State Liberal Party after the resignation of Jeff Kennett.When a reinstated Jeff Kennett led the Liberal Party to victory at the 1992, Stockdale became Treasurer. As treasurer he led the privatisation program of the government, and established the Electricity Supply Industry Reform Unit to manage the privatisation of the electricity sector. Stockdale is also credited with being the world's first Minister for Multimedia, which portfolio was added the additional responsibility of Information Technology in 1998.
Post-political career
Upon retiring from state parliament in 1999, Stockdale accepted a position within Macquarie Bank, as Executive Chairman, Asset & Infrastructure Group, as well as the chairmanship of Axon Instruments Inc. He was also appointed as chairman of Symex Holdings Ltd and as a director of the Melbourne Football Club from 1999 to 2001. He became a partner in Mills Oakley Lawyers in 2005.Stockdale was Federal President of the Liberal Party from February 2008 until June 2014. In 2025, new federal Liberal Leader, Sussan Ley ousted Stockdale from the administrative panel managing the affairs of NSW Liberal branch, following some controversial comments he made about women in the Liberal Party