Box Hill: MP Paul Hamer took the seat from Robert Clark

Box Hill’s new representative in Spring St is different to his predecessor in more than just political conviction.

Paul Hamer is new to the world of politics. Picture: Ian Currie

Box Hill’s new representative in Spring St is different to his predecessor in more than just political conviction — the Labor man with little political experience under his belt replaces a Liberal MP who was the father of the house.

Paul Hamer put his engineering career on hold to take his shot in politics, admitting he was surprised he was voted into parliament in November.

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The father-of-two’s history in politics goes only as far as having helped on election campaigns during his 12 years as Labor Party member.

But the engineer believes he can bring a lot to the table as part of a government endeavouring to deliver some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state’s history.

Box Hill state Labor MP Paul Hamer is getting to know Blackburn better. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Hamer worked in the public and private sector during his 20-year engineering career, including on public transport projects.

And he said this experience would help him tackle the massive task of redeveloping the Box Hill Interchange.

“It’s a real advantage to have someone like myself in the role who has that professional background and who has some ideas of what can be done,” he said.

Plans for the interchange will also have to consider a future Suburban Rail Loop, which would include a new station in Box Hill.

Paul Hamer is taking over from Robert Clark, who was in parliament for 30 years. Picture: Josie Hayden

He said he was looking forward to working with the steering committee to develop a design of “what Box Hill will look like” with the new infrastructure, and to develop a business case and secure funding.

“It’s really exciting,” Mr Hamer said.

The former engineer said he’d always had a passion for public transport, and also feels strongly about the education system focusing on science, technology and maths among both genders.

He said most of the workplaces he’d experienced in the engineering industry did not have a large female representation.

“It’s really important that we encourage that diversity and that diversity comes at schools,” he said.

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Mr Hamer grew up in Balwyn North, which was part of the Box Hill electorate until 1988, and now lives in Camberwell with his wife and two young sons.

The eastern suburbs man is close to his family, who are supporters of the Hawthorn Football Club.

“My wife’s family claim the only reason I was allowed to marry her was because I supported the right team,” he said.