Natural resource and environmental management, particularly water resources in inter-jurisdictional river basins. I have a long-standing interest in the Murray-Darling Basin, my first related publications being in 1967. I am currently undertaking an historical study of the Inter-State Commission (specified in the Constitution, but not in existence) and its relationship with the River Murray Waters Agreement, the first of the inter-jurisdictional agreements for the management of the Bsin.

I have undertaken other historical research, primarily concerned with some of the reporters who reported on the nineteenth century goldfields of New South Wales and Victoria. This work has been published in journal articles and a biography of Charles Edward de Boos (see publications list). Further work from this research deals with aspects of the environmental history of the goldfields.

Academic positions at University of Adelaide, University of Hull, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Macquarie University, University of New South Wales (Sydney), and University of New South Wales (ADFA).

Visiting positions at The Australian National University, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, and the New South Wales State Department of Water Resources.

Established the Association for Canadian Studies in Australia and New Zealand.

Received Northern Telecom Five Continents Award in Canadian Stuies, 1989.

Received Merit Award in recognition of ten years' service to the Murray Darling Association, 2001.