Eric Hutchinson (politician)

Eric Russell Hutchinson (born 19 June 1965) is an Australian politician who was the administrator of Norfolk Island, in office from 2017 to 2023. He previously served a single term in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2016, representing the Division of Lyons for the Liberal Party.

Early life
Hutchinson was born in Launceston, Tasmania. He worked for various wool-exporting companies before entering politics.

Politics
Hutchinson was elected to federal parliament at the 2013 election, when he won the Division of Lyons from incumbent Labor MP Dick Adams. He secured a 1.2-point margin from a swing of 13.5 points. He did not live in his electorate but in neighbouring Bass. He was defeated after one term by Labor's Brian Mitchell at the 2016 election. After his defeat, he took up a role as an advisor to the President of the Senate, Stephen Parry.

Administrator of Norfolk Island
On 1 April 2017, Hutchinson began a two-year term as Administrator of Norfolk Island, which was extended by a further two years in February 2019. In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he declared a state of emergency on the island and imposed a 32-day travel ban. He was again reappointed for a two-year term beginning on 1 April 2021. On 11 May 2023, it was announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories that Hutchinson would be succeeded by George Plant as Administrator. Plant was sworn in on 26 May 2023 and began his term as Administrator on 1 June 2023.