Michael grew up on the North West Coast of Tasmania and is a graduate of the University of Tasmania in History and Political Science. Elected to Parliament in 1976, Michael has been a Cabinet Minister, Premier and Leader of the Opposition over a 20 year career in politics. Since leaving politics in 1997 he has been a member of several boards and has been a leadership consultant.
Michael is married to Jan, is the father of three adult children and a grandfather of one, he lives at Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula.