‘Forgive yourself now’: The best piece of advice Allegra Spender ever received

Welcome to Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly Q&A series dedicated to finding out more about the personalities that matter most in the media landscape.

Every week The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age asks key figures across corporate media, business, sport, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer a series of questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news habits.

This week’s conversation is with independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender.

How did you get your big break?
This big break – being elected. I got it really because over 1200 volunteers got behind me. There is no way I could have run the campaign and reach so many people in Wentworth without them.

What are your daily news media habits?
I read most of my news online, flicking between The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, The Australian, The Guardian, and the ABC. I listen to RN in the mornings as well (sometimes at 2x speed – it is a busy time).

Which living person do you most admire?
I admire countless people – like Sondra from Bru Coffee in Bondi who runs a sustainable café and is just a wonderful presence. I just admire people who give their lives and passion to things they care about, and show their care of other people.

Your guilty streaming pleasure?
Total Control, Das Boot and Vigil (my husband loves a submarine drama!)

Which phrase do you overuse?
“You know” – I didn’t realise I did it until I looked back on videos of myself during the election campaign.

What did you want to do when you grew up?
Work for the World Bank.