He attended Christchurch Boys' High School and later Massey University where he began a bachelor of social work degree.
At the 1984 election he was the campaign manager for Dave Alton, Labour's candidate for the Manawatu electorate, who narrowly lost to incumbent MP Michael Cox.
Robinson managed to defeat Cox (after a recount) and was elected to represent the Manawatu electorate in Parliament.
[1] He was surprised as he had no background expertise in this area and soon began to view the extensive caucus committee system as little more than a method to scatter the attention and energy of otherwise rebellious backbenchers.
Robinson was unsurprised by their lack of success, but regarded the adoption of MMP as the most valuable response to the "Unbridled Power" of the Cabinet in a one-party government.