Member for the Riverina

Born in Wagga and raised on family properties at Marrar and Brucedale, Michael became the youngest editor of a daily newspaper in Australasia when he took the helm of Wagga’s Daily Advertiser at the age of 27.

Although he won numerous writing awards and scholarships at the Advertiser, Michael is proudest of the role he played as a community advocate during his time at the paper. In 1997 he spearheaded the movement to save the RAAF base at Wagga which resulted in the retention and expansion of the base.

Michael has a long history of community service with groups such as Rotary and school P&F Associations. A keen sportsman, Michael’s interests include cricket, Aussie Rules, Rugby League, basketball and hockey. He is also a racing enthusiast, and was director of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club from 1994 to 2003.

Before he was elected Michael ran a small publishing and media business in Wagga, where he lives with wife Catherine and their three children.

He was elected as the Member for Riverina in 2010, obtaining almost 45% of the vote in a race that included Liberal, Labor, Greens and independent candidates.

Michael is an honorary member of the Officer’s Mess at ARTC Kapooka.