Peter Henderson was head of the Department of Foreign Affairs for five years. In May 1984 he was dismissed by the Minister, Mr Hayden, and in January 1985, at the age of 56, he was

"involuntarily retired' from the Commonwealth

Public Service.

The dismissal, after thirty-three years as a career officer in the Australian Foreign Service, followed two years of stinging personal attacks in the Senate.

PRIVILEGE AND PLEASURE is the story of Peter Henderson's years in the Foreign Service, both inside and outside Australia.

He relates many amusing incidents of his postings and travel overseas. He served at five diplomatic posts, beginning as a Third Secretary in Washington and ending as Ambassador in Manila.

Peter Henderson also gives an account of his involvement in various issues, including the development of immigration policy during the Whitlam years.

He takes up the question of Parliamentary privilege, its use and abuse, illustrating from his own experience the devastating consequences of misuse.

PRIVILEGE AND PLEASURE is a lively and entertaining account of one man's life in the Australian Foreign Service.