Jim joined Australia Network after a distinguished career as a foreign correspondent and as the ABC's Political editor in Canberra. For six years, at the height of the Reagan era, he was a foreign correspondent in New York and Washington. He was present at Reagan's first two summits with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev and reported on the Falklands war as well as the guerrilla conflicts in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
In Australia, Jim covered seven general elections and three eras of government under Prime Ministers Howard, Keating and Hawke. In that role he undertook reporting assignments across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Jim's role for Australia Network has seen him lead coverage of major regional meetings including the East Asia and ASEAN summits, the Boao Forum and CHOGM. He has presented programs from Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Bali.
He has often chaired events for Asialink, the National Press Club, the Lowy Institute, Advance Australia and the Global Foundation.
Jim is a member of the board of the Australia Thailand Institute.
He regularly appears on domestic ABC networks as a commentator on international relations.
Jim is also the chief presenter
Newsline, Australia Network's flagship current affairs program.