Dr John Pryde Paterson was involved in public administration, particularly water policy reform, and the development and provision of social welfare services. Paterson was born on 23 April 1942 and received a Commerce degree from Melbourne University and a PhD from the Australian National University. From 1963 to 1966 he worked as a research officer and advocate with the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations. He joined the Research School of Social Sciences, Urban Research Unit at ANU in 1967-1970. From 1970-1978 he was Chief Executive of John Paterson Urban Systems then becoming Deputy Direcctor, NSW Department of Environment and Planning 1979-1982; President of the Hunter District Water Board 1982-1984; Director-General, Department of Water Resources in Victoria; Director-General, Department of Community Services Victoria from 1989-1992; Secretary of the Department of Health and Community Services, Victoria.