After Peter graduated as a social worker from the University of Sydney, he worked in the field of social and community welfare at a number of agencies including the Department of Health and Community Services.

Peter also served on Campbelltown City Council, including a term as Mayor and was Chair of the Macarthur Health Services Board for five years.

Peter's parliamentary work includes being elected as Member for Camden in 1988 and subsequently entering the NSW Legislative Council in 1996. He has served Government Whip, and was elected as Legislative Council President in 2007 until 2009.

Peter subsequently served as Minister, holding a number of portfolios including Disability Services, Youth, and Ageing. More recently Peter has served as a Shadow Minister in portfolios such as Finance, Water, Community, Local Government and Regional Roads.

Peter's full NSW Parliamentary work and contributions can found on his page on the NSW Parliament House website.