Ian Cover
Ian Cover | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1956 Melbourne, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Radio host, comedian, politician, writer |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Known for | Founding member of the Coodabeen Champions; Liberal Party member of the Victorian Legislative Council |
| Notable work | The Coodabeen Champions Big Bumper Footy Book; The Coodabeen Champions Take a Good Hard Look at Australia; Merv and Me - On Tour |
Ian James Cover (born 31 July 1956) is an Australian figure known for his work as a radio host, comedian, politician, and writer. He initially gained prominence as one of the founding members of the comedic sports radio ensemble the Coodabeen Champions. Cover served a single term as a representative of the Liberal Party in the Victorian Legislative Council before resuming his career in radio comedy. His professional background also includes roles as a radio broadcaster, newspaper columnist, and author of three published books.
Originating from Melbourne, Cover attended Bellaire Primary School and later completed his education at Belmont High School in Geelong. His early career began in journalism with the Geelong Advertiser between 1976 and 1981, after which he transitioned into radio comedy. As an original member of the Coodabeen Champions, he played a key role in their Coodabeens Footy Show, which aired on various stations such as 3RRR, 3AW, and 774 ABC Melbourne. In addition to his media work, Cover briefly acted as a personal assistant to Liberal MLC Glyn Jenkins in 1982, was employed by the Herald and Weekly Times until 1986, and took on the role of radio announcer at 3UZ from 1987 through 1989.
Cover became affiliated with the Liberal Party in 1995 and secured preselection for the open seat of Geelong Province during the 1996 election, receiving Premier Jeff Kennett’s endorsement. Despite some internal party disagreements regarding his nomination, he was successful in winning the seat. After the Liberal Party’s defeat in 1999, Cover was appointed secretary of the parliamentary Liberal Party and later advanced to shadow ministerial positions in July 2000, managing portfolios including Sport and Recreation, Racing, and Youth Affairs. Although he was considered a possible contender for the Legislative Assembly seat of Bellarine in 2002, he opted to defend his Legislative Council position but was defeated amid a significant Liberal loss. Following his departure from politics, Cover returned to his roots in radio comedy.
In March 2013, a property owned by Cover and his family for three decades was destroyed during the bushfires in Dereel.
Cover is a father to a daughter named Coco.
Books
- The Coodabeen Champions Big Bumper Footy Book (1990)
- The Coodabeen Champions Take a Good Hard Look at Australia (1992)
- Merv and Me - On Tour (1993)