Michael Ferguson bounced back into politics in 2010 after serving a term in federal parliament

Michael Ferguson’s first speech in Tasmania’s parliament drew upon an ancient motto – dulcius ex asperis — meaning “life is sweeter after difficulty”. Why that was important then, and now.

State Election 2010, new Liberal member for Bass Michael Ferguson and Julie Ferguson in Brickfields Park, Launceston

Michael Ferguson has taken his own advice on integrity.

“True integrity, including within politics, is to stay with what you believe to be right, not just when it is easy, but when it is hard, when it hurts or disadvantages you,” he said in his first speech to the House of Assembly after being elected in 2010.

He had served one term in the federal parliament but lost his seat when Labor swept to office in 2007 and joked that it was “his second first speech to parliament”.

Prime Minister John Howard and then-Liberal Bass candidate Michael Ferguson during the morning walk at Launceston in 2004.

The loss was a bitter spill to swallow for the former high school science teacher, Meander Valley councillor and Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year in 2002.

But the conservative had unfinished business in politics, bounced back and received the highest number of primary votes for the Liberals in Bass.

In his first speech to the Tasmanian parliament, he referred to the Ferguson clan’s ancient motto – dulcius ex asperis- meaning “life is sweeter after difficulty”.

“In my case I chose to accept that (2007 election) loss and, believe it or not, I came to be thankful for it because between then and now was a time of positive personal maturing, a deepening of faith, together with valuable professional development in the not-for-profit private sector,” he said.

“My central belief is that being a parliamentarian is about service, not power, and that power can be entrusted to people who have first learned what it is to serve.”

Health Minister Michael Ferguson at a budget estimates hearing in 2014.

Mr Ferguson, who turned 50 on state election day this year, became involved in student politics, volunteering with community groups and charities, when he was at school and university.

He graduated with two degrees from the University of Tasmania – a bachelor of education and a Bachelor of Applied Science – before teaching science, maths and IT at public high schools in 1996.

A devout Christian he opposed same sex marriage and abortion.

Mr Ferguson served under three Premiers and was removed as health minister and this year stepped down as infrastructure minister.

One Liberal Party source despairing of his departure to the backbench said the Spirit of Tasmania debacle was “death by a thousand cuts” and that he had “been too accepting of bureaucratic spin”.

The big question is who will replace him as Treasurer after Guy Barnett was elected unopposed as deputy Premier.

As the father of three contemplates a “sweeter” life on the backbench Mr Ferguson will be able to spend more time with his wife Julie who he describes as “my constant companion, soulmate and number-one supporter since I was in student politics and the glue that keeps us together and functional”.