Tasmanian Labor MHA for Bass. Labor Party website before the March 2006 election contained the following biographical notes:
Jim Cox is your full-time Labor representative in the electorate of Bass. For more than 10 years as a member of State Parliament and a term as a Cabinet Minister, Jim has worked hard to deliver a better lifestyle for Northern Tasmanians. In this time Jim has gained a strong understanding of the issues faced by people across Bass.
Jim is proud to have been part of the Labor Government which has given us records jobs growth, record levels of business confidence and made Tasmania the Safest State in the nation.
But there is still more work to do to build on the successes of the last seven and half years. Jim is keen to continue to deliver results for the North and North-East.
Jim was born in Launceston, Tasmania. He attended Glen Dhu Primary School and Launceston Church Grammar School.
Prior to entering Parliament Jim worked in the television and radio industry for 25 years. Jim won 4 Logie Awards as the Most Popular Male on television in Tasmania and was the only Northern Tasmanian to win.
During the period 1993 – 96 Jim established a retail furniture business in Launceston. Jim was first elected to State Parliament in 1989. He was elected as Member for Bass and continued until 1992.
Jim was re-elected to State Parliament as a Labor Member for Bass in 1996. He became Opposition Spokesperson for Police and Emergency Services, and Opposition Spokesperson for Sport and Recreation.
After the 1998 elections Jim was appointed Chairman of Committees, Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Tasmanian Road Safety Council.
In August 2002 Jim was appointed Minister for Infrastructure and Minister assisting the Premier on Local Government.
Jim is currently the Minister for Finance, Minister for Racing, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister assisting the Premier on Local Government.
Jim is married to Elaine and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoys fishing and golf in his spare time.
COMMUNITY INTERESTS
Jim maintains an active interest in many organisations, schools and sporting groups in Bass.
Jim is Patron of the following: George Town Cycling Club, George Town Golf Club, Glen Dhu Primary School, Launceston City Cycling Club, Ravenswood Bowls Club, West Launceston Bowls Club, Softball Tasmania, Launceston City & RSL Pipes and Drums. Vietnam Veterans Bus Group; North East Axeman’s Association; Vice Patron - Trevallyn Cricket Club
Bass covers an area of approximately 7343 sq km from Launceston in the south to Flinders Island in the north. The City of Launceston and its suburbs, and the towns of Branxholm, Bridport, Derby, Gladstone, Lilydale, Legana, Ringarooma and Scottsdale, as well as Cape Barren Island, Clarke Island & Flinders Island are in this division.
Products and industries of the area cover farming, fishing, textile industry, aluminium and ferrous metals, wool, meat, woodchips, timber, boat-building, a brewery and tourism.
