His major lifetime influences have been his service with the Australian Army in Papua and Dutch New Guinea during the crucial campaigns that turned back the "invincible" Japanese Army in World War Two; and his diplomatic career, including Ambassador, High Commissioner and Head of Mission in a variety of posts, over a period of some twenty years. As an economist - and having grown up in the Great Depression of the 1930s - he has sought to define policies more amenable to peaceful change and prosperity for us all. He has supported his wife's charitable campaigns, including her initiative of "Ihr Anruf Hilft" ("Your Call Helps.") He launched "The Democratic Initiative for Victory Over Want (VOW)" in 2002.

His latest book "The Tyrannies of the Rich" is scheduled for publication late in 2011 or early 2012.

His memoirs, brought together in several volumes entitled "A Lazy Incompetent Life", cover both his official duties and his personal life. Due for publication in 2012, the memoirs record his dealings with the great and powerful as well as his marriages and occasional flirtations, his sporting adventures and the excitement and fun he has found even in the most challenging situations.

The first volume of "A Lazy Incompetent Life" will be published on Kindle in just a few days time. You can read it on Kindle devices and also on IPad, IPhone touch, PC, Mac, Blackberry, and Android-based devices.