Judge, Mayor, Business Owner – Now Your Local MP
As Member for Lyons in the Tasmanian House of Assembly, Andrew Jenner brings decades of public service and business acumen to his role.
First arriving in Tasmania in the 1970s at age 19, Andrew worked for SBT Bank and taught self-defense at the Police Academy and local schools before establishing roots in Lewisham in 1985. He later became the initial owner of the iconic Harbour Lights Café on Hobart’s waterfront, demonstrating his commitment to Tasmania’s business community.
While family circumstances took him back to England, Andrew transformed his family’s small riverside café – in the family for 65 years – from a 12-seat establishment into a thriving 350-seat business with car parking for 500 vehicles and river moorings and two mini golf courses. He still owns this successful venture today.
Having always wanted to study law, Andrew seized an opportunity to train as a magistrate in England. Despite dyslexia and no formal legal background, he was selected from over 400 candidates as one of only seven chosen. At age 32, he became the youngest magistrate appointed in Southeast of England. He then spent 25 years in England’s court system, where magistrates handle 98% of all criminal cases, rising to become Chairman in the Court, and then qualified to be able to sit in the Crown court on appeals.
His political career reached its height when he became Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead – a significant position overseeing 190,000 constituents in the borough that houses Windsor Castle. This unique role gave him regular interaction with the Royal Family and deep insight into managing a region that welcomes over 12 million visitors annually.
As a councillor for 15 years, Andrew chaired the Planning, Licensing, and Tourism committees, served as Cabinet Member for Tourism, and led as The Chamber of Commerce President. These roles developed his understanding of balancing economic benefits with community impacts – experience he brings to Lyons.
Andrew’s commitment to community service includes being one of the founding members of the Starfish charity, for children with learning disabilities (of which he is still the President) and leading the Marines and Sea Cadets as President for 26 years. A lifelong martial artist, Andrew holds an impressive five black belts in different disciplines and has shared his expertise by teaching self-defense at the Police Academy and in Tasmanian schools. Beginning with judo at age eight, he achieved his black belt sixth dan (a red and white belt) at age 55, demonstrating his dedication to continuous improvement.
Andrew has spent his life working with and raising money for local children’s charities. Raising, tens of thousands of dollars over a 40-year period.
Returning permanently to Tasmania a decade ago, he established successful tourism and property businesses before entering state politics.
From overcoming dyslexia to succeed in law, to serving communities on two continents, Andrew try’s to lives by his father’s advice: “Work hard and try and be the best at whatever you do”. Today, he champions transparency and accountability in government for the people of Lyons.
