Parliamentary:

~ First Elected - 2 May 2009 ~ Inaugural Speech ~ Speeches

Personal:

~ Date of Birth: 30 November 1959 ~ Birth Place: Devonport, Tasmania.

Education and Training:

~ Bachelor of Education (Tasmanian University) ~ Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Emotional Disturbances and Behavioural Disorders (Newcastle University) ~ Diploma of Teaching, Certificate 1V in Assessors Training (Recognition Services)

Professional Career :

Michael's professional career primarily involves young people and he has been with the Education Department since 1979. Originally a Health and Physical Education teacher and then as an AST3 (Senior Teacher), Mike became heavily involved with behaviour management in schools both with the Barrington District Support Team and as a Senior Education Officer with the State-wide Behaviour Management Team. Mike has taught at the following schools: Murray High School, Bridgewater High School, Latrobe High School AST 3, Beverley Boys School London (Commonwealth Teachers Exchange), Devonport High School (Assistant Principal), Reece High School AST 3, Barrington District Support Service, Statewide Behaviour Support Team (SEO).

Civic and Community:

Mike has been involved in Local Government since nominating for Latrobe Council in 1994.  A Councillor for 4 years, and Deputy Mayor for 4 years, Mike was elected as Mayor in 2003 and re-elected, unopposed in 2005.  Mike was also re-elected unopposed as Mayor in October 2007, for another two year mayoral term, and another four year term as an elected member. In June 2006 Mike was elected as President of LGAT (Local Government Association of Tasmania). This is a two year term, and he was also re-elected, unopposed in 2008. As part of his responsibilities Mike also acts as Chairperson of the GMC (General Management Committee) and chief spokesperson for LGAT on the PLGC (Premiers Local Government Council). As President of LGAT Mike holds a directors role on the board of ALGA (Australian Local Government Association.) He is involved with a number of State, Regional and Local Government Committees for example: ALGA's representative on the Federal Ministerial for Ageing Committee Local Government Sustainability Committee National General Assembly Review Committee Tasmania's Demographic Advisory Council Tasmania 's representative on the Australian Council of Local Government Water and Sewerage Reform Steering Committee (Chair) Waste Management Working Group for the Cradle Coast Region Cradle Coast Authority Representatives Committee Budget Review Committee Latrobe Community Cemetery Management Group Latrobe and District's Youth Centre Management Committee. (Chairperson) Mike also has responsibility to attend numerous launches, committees meetings, as part of working groups and communicating with residents, groups and businesses.

Interests:

Mike and Mel married on the 2nd February 1991, and live in Latrobe at Urquhart Keep (Bank of Australasia, 1876). Michael enjoys travel, antiques, theatre, reading and community events. Mike and Mel also own two West Highland White Terriers – Hamish and Lochie. Mike has been a successful athlete and has represented Tasmania in baseball, touch football, basketball, volleyball, athletics and football. He has won 12 professional gifts (including 2 Latrobe gifts) and played senior TFL football with Hobart and New Norfolk. Mike was the playing coach of Latrobe in the Northern Tasmania Football League 1989 / 90 and played over 300 games of North West Senior basketball.

Photographs:

Electorate Photo Gallery

Web Sites:
~Premier of Tasmania ~Latrobe Council	~Tasmania On-line ~Service Tasmania ~Employment

Contact Details:
Parliamentary Office:	Electorate Office:
Legislative Council Parliament House Hobart 7000 Phone: (03) 6233 2340 Fax: (03) 6231 1849	Shop 1, 3 Lauriston Arcade, 126 Best Street. Devonport, AUSTRALIA, 7310 Ph: (03) 6421 7678 Fax:  (03) 6423 5804
Email: michael.gaffney@parliament.tas.gov.au

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