David Wade was born in England in 1950 and migrated to Australia in 1959. After gaining his degree in English and Psychology from the University of Adelaide in 1975 he entered private enterprise where he was Training Manager for General Motors Australia, where he introduced to Australia the "new" technology of video-tape training modules. He was Group Manager Human Resources for such diverse companies as T. O'Connor & Sons, where he was involved in resourcing the construction of Roxby Downs, Metro Meat (now Thomas Foods), ROH Industries and John Shearer Limited. David started the SA Fishing Industry Training Committee in the early 1980's and was instrumental in implementing Certificates of Competency and Colour Echo Sounders. He trained SA Tuna fishers in the methods of catching and freezing blue-fin tuna for the Japanese market - a market that changed the face and fortunes of Port Lincoln.
In 1989, David negotiated the first Enterprise Agreement in Australia at John Shearer Limited - which changed the Australian Industrial scene forever. David Wade won the State Labour seat of Elder for the Liberals in 1993. Until that time Elder had been a Labour seat for 65 years. In 1996 David Wade introduced a Private Member's Bill that called for mandatory gaol sentences for convicted sex offenders. Unfortunately, the Bill lapsed after his narrow defeat by Patrick Conlon in the 1997 election. David Wade is a Justice of the Peace, former Councillor for Happy Valley Council, a former Civil Marriage Celebrant and holds a Diploma in Hypnotherapy.
David and his wife Anita have been married since 1977. He has two daughters, Roxanne and Georgina and three grand-children. He is now retired and enjoys spending time with family as well as reading and staying up to date with current affairs and politics.
