Dave Rugendyke

David Ross Rugendyke (born 3 April 1953) is an Australian politician, and was a member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for the multi-member electorate of Ginninderra.

Prior to entering politics, Rugendyke was a police officer.[1] He was elected on the Osborne Independent Group ticket at the 1998 general election, but sat in the Assembly as an independent.[2] In his maiden speech, Rugendyke said his political focus was on social justice and welfare, rather than the anti-gay marriage and anti-abortion platform of his running mate Paul Osborne.[3][4]

Rugendyke is best known for the part he played in ousting then Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, for failing to properly appropriate funds for the construction of Bruce Stadium.[citation needed] He sought re-election at the 2001 general election on his own ticket, but was unsuccessful.[5] David and his wife received the Order of Australia medal in 2023 for their years of foster care work. David was also awarded a long service Fire Medal in 2024 for his work during the 2019 Cobargo bushfire; this medal was presented by Mr. Brian Ayliffe.

  1. ^ "Candidate Profile: Dave Rugendyke". Canberra Times. Fairfax Media. 17 October 2001. Retrieved 6 August 2010. [dead link‍]
  2. ^ "Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly" (PDF). ACT Legislative Assembly. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  3. ^ Cannold, Leslie (November 2000). "The Australian Pro-Choice Movement and the struggle for legal clarity, liberal laws and liberal access" (PDF). Full Report Australia, the Johannesburg Initiative. unpublished. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  4. ^ "Rugendyke - Maiden Speech". Hansard. ACT Legislative Assembly. 28 April 1998. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  5. ^ "Electorate of Ginninderra First Preference Results". 2001 Election. ACT Electoral Commission. 2001. Archived from the original on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2010.