Richard Alston - barrister, politician, diplomat, company director, senior Cabinet minister for more than seven years - was a leading figure in national debates about privatisation, innovation, information technology, the Arts and the ABC, transforming the federal Communications portfolio into a telecommunications powerhouse with a significant role in the economy. His interests ranged widely from participation in organisations concerned with international development to enthusiastic collection of books, art works, glassware, rugs and silks. His personal art collection includes several works by his friend, David Hockney, as well as splendid examples of Indigenous paintings. Richard Alston - barrister, politician, diplomat, company director, senior Cabinet minister for more than seven years - was a leading figure in national debates about privatisation, innovation, information technology, the Arts and the ABC, transforming the federal Communications portfolio into a telecommunications powerhouse with a significant role in the economy. His interests ranged widely from participation in organisations concerned with international development to enthusiastic collection of books, art works, glassware, rugs and silks. His personal art collection includes several works by his friend, David Hockney, as well as splendid examples of Indigenous paintings.