18 Facts About Michael Hodgman

William Michael Hodgman AM QC was an Australian politician and lawyer.

Michael Hodgman was a member of the Liberal Party and served as Minister for the Capital Territory in the Fraser government from 1980 to 1983.

Michael Hodgman was active in both state and federal politics, serving in the Tasmanian Legislative Council, Australian House of Representatives, and Tasmanian House of Assembly.

Michael Hodgman was educated at The Hutchins School and the University of Tasmania, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1962.

Whilst at university, Hodgman served as vice president of the Tasmania University Law Society and editor of the university newspaper Togatus.

Michael Hodgman then worked as a Legal Officer for Hydro Tasmania from 1965 to 1966.

Michael Hodgman was a committee member of the Tasmanian Bar Council from 1969 to 1974, including a period as vice president from 1972 to 1973.

Michael Hodgman first entered politics in 1966 as member for the Tasmanian Legislative Council seat of Huon.

Michael Hodgman held this position until 1974 when he stood down to run for the Federal electorate of Denison.

Michael Hodgman was unsuccessful, but won the seat at his second attempt at the 1975 election, and held the seat until 1987, when he was defeated by Duncan Kerr from the Australian Labor Party.

Michael Hodgman served as Minister for the Capital Territory and Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry and Commerce in the Fraser government from 1980 to 1983.

In 1992 Michael Hodgman returned to state politics in the lower house electorate of Denison, which he held until defeated in 1998, when the size of parliament was reduced from 35 to 25 members.

Michael Hodgman regained the position in 2001 after a recount of votes due to the retirement of Ray Groom.

Michael Hodgman was well known for his strong support for retaining Australia's Constitutional monarchy.

Michael Hodgman enjoyed wide name-recognition in Hobart; mainly due to his long political career.

Michael Hodgman achieved further fame in 2007 when, during a speech, he rallied fellow party members to give "the Labor party one right up the bracket".

On 19 November 2009 Michael Hodgman announced he would not be contesting the 2010 state election.

Michael Hodgman died in a nursing home in Hobart in 2013.