He has been chief political correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra, as well as foreign correspondent in London (2001-2003), Washington (1990-1992) and New York (1993).He is author of several books, including “Asbestos: Work as a Health Hazard” (ABC Books, 1978), “The Forgotten People- a History of Australia’s South Sea Islanders” (ABC Books, 1978), and more recently a history of the former Australian asbestos manufacturer James Hardie, “Killer Company” (HarperCollins, 2009), which is soon to become a dramatic mini-series.