Nick has been a Senator for Tasmania since 1990 and is based in Devonport on Tasmanias North West Coast.

Nick moved to Tasmania with his family at a young age. He was born in Kingston-on-Thames, London, United Kingdom and is now a naturalised Australian.

Growing up in Hobart, Nick attended New Town High School. His first introduction to politics was through his studies at the University of Tasmania where he majored in political science and administration during his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Financial administration was part of Nicks working life right from the beginning, with his first job being the night cashier and auditor at the Wrestpoint Hotel and Casino in Hobart.

Since then, Nick has gained more than twenty years experience in the Australian superannuation system which has given him a deep knowledge and interest in design and operation of pension systems.

Nick has kept abreast of the international pension scene, studying closely the systems and developments in the United Kingdom, United States and key European jurisdicition, Switzerland. Nick has written extensively on the subject.

Prior to entering parliament, Nick was the State Secretary of the Liquor and Allied Trade Union. During his time as State Secretary, he became a member of the Board of the College of Hospitality and the Hospitality Group Training Scheme. Nick was also a principal negotiator and founding trustee of Club Plus (Tasmania) and HOST Plus Superannuation Funds.

Nick had over eight years experience as the Shadow Minister responsible for superannuation before becoming the Minister. He has also been Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industry, Energy and Resources during the Keating Government.

With the introduction of the Rudd Government in 2007, Nick became the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law. Nick became the first minister of any Australian Government to have exclusive responsibility for superannuation.

Nick was promoted to the position of Assistant Treasurer on 9 June 2009.

As Assistant Treasurer, Nick spends a lot of his time in Canberra but always looks forward to returning to his home state, especially to spend time with his three young children.

Nick also enjoys a round of golf in his spare time and barracking for the Forth and Geelong Football Club. He has a keen interest in history and superannuation.