Nick McGowan was born in Ivanhoe, Victoria, and raised by his single mother alongside his brother. His early life was marked by financial challenges and frequent relocations, as his mother worked various jobs including warehouse work, community based childcare, and clerical duties to support the family. They lived in several locations, including Ballarat, Eltham, and Werribee, where McGowan attended Galvin Park Secondary College (now Wyndham Central College). At the age of 12, he began contributing to the household income by taking on small jobs in his neighborhood.[3]
Education and early political engagement
McGowan completed his secondary education at Eltham High School. During his time as a university student, he worked for several Members of Parliament and became one of Victoria’s youngest local government candidates when he ran for election in Eltham Shire at the age of 18. He later worked as a young adviser in Premier Jeff Kennett’s office.[4]
Humanitarian and international service
In 1999, McGowan volunteered with Australian Volunteers International in Thailand, working across Southeast Asia. In 2001, he joined the United Nations, undertaking humanitarian, public affairs, and policy work in the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Liberia, and Afghanistan. His final field assignment with the UN was as a civilian peacekeeper working directly for the Secretary General’s Special Representative in Burundi.[5]
Legal and migration tribunal service
Upon returning to Australia in 2016, McGowan was appointed by the Minister for Immigration to the Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal. He applied his knowledge and understanding of migration, humanitarian affairs, protection, human rights, and international law in these roles, serving for eight years before standing for election.[6]
Political career
McGowan was elected to the Parliament of Victoria on 26 November 2022, representing the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region. He has been a member of the Liberal Party since 31 July 1991 and believes in freedom of thought, worship, and choice; in families fostering values and respect; and in democracy that champions individual responsibility and reward for effort.[7]
Personal philosophy
McGowan's childhood experiences of dislocation, hardship, and family breakdown led him to value individual freedoms, personal responsibility, and institutional transparency and accountability. These beliefs have guided his political and humanitarian endeavors.[8]
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