Michael graduated as a Medical Practitioner, and he was a Minister in the South Australian Government between 1993 and 2002. As the Minister for Health, he refocused and reformed the health system - at a time of major budget stringency.

 

Later in his political career, he was the Minister for Government Enterprises, overseeing the successful sale of elements of the State owned Infrastructure, thereby paying off the State Debt.

 

He was also Australia’s first Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for the Information Economy (being responsible for the largest Government outsourcing project in Australia).

 

For the period 2003 - 2005 Michael took responsibility for government relations throughout the AsiaPacific Region for Silicon Graphics, Inc., an American high-tech company. 

 

Later he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Health Insurance Association for a decade, where he played the major role in delivering legislation to protect privately insured consumers and their Health outcomes.