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 been involved in Local Government since nominating for Latrobe Council in 1994. After serving as a Councillor for 4 years and Deputy Mayor for 4 years, Mike was elected as Mayor in 2003.