Dean’s vision for Tasmania is to make it the easiest place to do business and the best place to grow up, work and retire. Originally from Queenstown on Tasmania’s West Coast, Dean moved to Kingborough at a young age, where he was raised and educated. He still lives in Kingston Beach with his wife and two young children. Dean studied economics at the University of Tasmania and undertook a cadet placement at the Department of Treasury and Finance. He then became chief executive of technology industry body TasICT and worked in private industry. He entered politics as a councillor in Kingborough in 2014 and was elected the youngest mayor in Kingborough’s history in 2018 when he was 33. Dean entered State Parliament as Member for Franklin in 2021 and he became leader of Tasmanian Labor in 2024. While Dean was mayor, Kingborough Council boosted its investment in improving roads, footpaths and other public infrastructure. The council also worked to redevelop central Kingston, including a medium-density housing development and building the state’s best playground at Kingston Park. When he moved to Parliament, Dean's philosophy and objective remained the same: for all Tasmanians to have the opportunity to build a good life for themselves and know they are part of a society that cares about them. As party leader Dean’s main focus is good, secure jobs for Tasmanians. He is determined to ensure Tasmania can attract and retain businesses that create local jobs by boosting electricity generation and embracing renewable energy technology.