Neil Cole politician

Neil Donald Cole (born 25 May 1957) is an Australian playwright, researcher, and former politician. Born in Millicent, South Australia, he spent his early years in Malaysia due to his father's military service. He later attended schools in North Melbourne and Kyneton, eventually earning a law degree from the University of Melbourne in 1980. That year, he also founded the Flemington Community Legal Service.

Cole entered politics in the 1980s, serving on the Melbourne City Council before running for the Victorian Parliament in 1988. Despite initial odds against him, he won the preselection and the subsequent election, securing the seat of Melbourne. During his tenure, he was promoted to shadow minister roles but faced challenges when his manic-depressive disorder became public knowledge in 1995 after a media leak. He stood down as Shadow Attorney-General and was hospitalized.

Despite these setbacks, he was re-elected in 1996 and remained in parliament until 1999 when he lost preselection to Bronwyn Pike. After leaving politics, Cole转向写作，创作了超过十二部戏剧，其中首部作品《Alive at Williamstown Pier》获得了Griffin Award。他还出版了一本小说，并在2008年加入国家精神健康咨询委员会，同时在莫纳什大学担任副教授。