From the Oral History collection: Barrie Virtue

Between 1964 and 1984, Barrie Virtue OBE served as press secretary, private secretary and principal private secretary to the Rt. Hon. Doug Anthony. Matters relating to trade were among his highest priorities during this period.

In this excerpt from an oral history interview, Mr Virtue sings a song, the words of which he wrote, to a tune based on one by the English composer, Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame). The song begins: “I am the very model of a modern Trade Commissioner, with GATT and GATS and EIAs I’m more or less familiar…”

Barrie Virtue was recorded for the Oral History Program by Barry York in 2012. The full interview is not currently available online but is available upon request at the Museum of Australian Democracy. Please contact the museum prior to your visit and quote the reference number OHI  277.