Nicky Hodgman reflects on life in the public eye and what’s next for her family

Tasmania’s outgoing first lady Nicky Hodgman has spoken of her pride for her husband and excitement for what lays ahead for her family.

AS Tasmania farewells one of its most respected leaders, a proud and excited Nicky Hodgman is welcoming her husband back into the family fold.

On Tuesday, Premier Will Hodgman announced his intention to resign from state politics at a snap press conference flanked by members of his family, including wife Nicky.

The pair met in 1996 and were married three years later.

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Tasmania’s first lady said a day on from the big announcement she was feeling excited.

“I think for our family it is a new beginning,” she said.

“I don’t think you could enter public life like this unless you really believed in your partner and what they’re trying to do.

Premier Will Hodgman with wife, Nicky Hodgman the day after announcing he would quit politics. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“We’ve all benefited so much – it’s been such an incredible experience for all of us and such a privilege. As Will said, there’s no job without its negative sides as well, but it’s exciting to see what that next stage is for us.

“This is a special time to reflect on what has been a full on career and draw a bit of a line in the sand and move forward.”

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Mrs Hodgman said the thing she was enjoying the most was the opportunity for their three children William, James and Lily to hear the positive accolades about their father since the announcement.

“Often when you’re really close to it all, you don’t get to hear that sort of perspective and he is really well respected and loved by many,” she said.

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“On the way in with my daughter in the car today, miracle of miracles for a 13 year old daughter to say ‘mum, can you please tell dad that I love him so much.’ So it’s nice they’re getting that time to reflect on his career as well.”

Premier Will Hodgman with wife, Nicky Hodgman the day after announcing he would quit politics. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Family was a constant source of stability for Mr Hodgman and he would endeavour as much as possible to be home for breakfast with the family.

“It always amazed me that he would insist on coming back from extremes – Stanley or wherever it may be,” Mrs Hodgman said.

“I think that’s what was instrumental in being able to get through such a frenetic career as a family.

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“It’s a real testament to Will, he could have easily not done that, we wouldn’t have seen him as much and that would have made it harder.”

Looking forward, Mrs Hodgman said there had not yet been a lot of time to think about what was next for the family, but she would be putting her husband to work.

“I’ve got a very long list of jobs for Will,” she joked.