Marcellin College Randwick 1935-1937.
Elected to Randwick Municipal Council in 1949, serving as Alderman until 1962.
Served twice as Mayor (1951 and 1955).
Elected to NSW State Parliament for the seat of Randwick in 1962.
Elected to Federal Parliament for the Seat of Kingsford-Smith in 1969.
Served as a Minister in the Whitlam Government, as Minister for Trade, Attorney General and Deputy Prime Minister in the Hawke Government.
Appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1991.