CAPT The Hon Peter Collins AM RFD KC (retd)

The son of No 22 SQN Navigator Ron Collins, our guest speaker was brought up with RAAF history: No 23 SQN Mustangs at Archerfield; early Sabres and Canberras at Amberley; and, Beaufighter operations out of Morotai.

Shortlisted for RMC, Peter Collins instead served in Sydney University Regiment while studying Arts then Law. He transferred to 1 Commando Coy after being commissioned and qualified as a Military Parachutist.

As an ABCTV journalist, he extensively covered Defence and was the first journalist to fly in the F-111 in Australia; as well as the RAN’s A-4 and S-2 aircraft operated from HMAS Melbourne.

Peter Collins joined the RAN Reserve as a Lieutenant in 1975 and went on to serve for 37 years in Public Relations, Maritime Control of Shipping , Naval Intelligence (13 years),  Legal (14 years).

He was the first Reservist to serve as Fleet Legal Officer of the RAN.

From 1995-2000, he was also appointed Honorary Colonel of 1 Commando Regiment - the only naval officer to be so honoured.

He wrote the Commando history STRIKE SWIFTLY published in 2005 when standing by to deploy to the Gulf.

In 2007, he led a ADF legal team in FOB SHIELD in Baghdad and received the AASM,Iraq Medal and US Joint Service Commendation Medal.

He left the Navy as a CAPTAIN in 2012.

Peter Collins served 22 years in the NSW Parliament; was a Minister for seven years including Health, Attorney General and Treasurer; also Deputy Leader and later Leader of the Opposition.

In his 21 years following politics, Peter has spent 18 years as a Director of top performing super fund HOSTPLUS ; also as Chairman of Industry Super Australia. He has served on many other Boards in both public and private sectors.

He is an avid student of modern military history and military aviation.
He has built up a remarkable ADF historical collection at his heritage home Werrington House in Western Sydney for which he concedes his wife Jennine must take full credit.