Allegra Spender

The Hon Allegra Spender MP

Allegra Spender is the independent member for the federal seat of Wentworth. She is a mum, business leader, and renewable energy advocate, and was elected in 2022 on a platform of climate action, integrity, inclusivity, and a future-focused economy.

Allegra has diverse leadership experience in the corporate, non-profit, private, and public sectors. She started her career at McKinsey & Company, before working at the U.K. Treasury and in a leading U.K. public teaching hospital.

From 2008 to 2016, Allegra was the Managing Director of Carla Zampatti, a leading Australian designer fashion business. She was also Chair of Sydney Renewable Power Company, a renewable impact investment company that financed over 500kw of solar on the International Convention Centre.

Prior to standing for Wentworth, Allegra was the CEO of Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) a social mobility not-for-profit. The network is made up of a group of forty leading corporations, including Macquarie, Microsoft, Lendlease, Optus and Bain, whose team members mentor over 5,000 students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Session details

Session 7: Q&A Panel – Creating a catalyst for change

The way in which we live, and work has shifted significantly over the past two and a half years and is likely to have an everlasting impact. The economic environment has also shifted, we are now experiencing higher inflation, mixed and delayed growth in wages, high levels of personal, small business and government debt, and increasing interest rates.

This interactive Q&A session will explore the role of technology in business both now and in the future, what business can expect from a new Government operating within these settings, and the role our tax system can play. We will address issues including tax reform, the current economy, and the forecast for the next 12 months. We will also reflect on how we can innovate to support our staff, our businesses, and our clients to operate in a ‘new normal’.

Panel: Jo Masters, Barrenjoey, The Hon Bruce Bilson, Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, The Hon Allegra Spender, MP, Scott Treatt, CTA, The Tax Institute

Facilitator: Leigh Sales, Journalist and Author