Alan Cumming Thom (1928-2007) was an officer of the Senate for 33 years (1955-1988) and Clerk of the Senate for six years (1982-1988). In this edited excerpt from an oral history interview, he recalls Jim Odgers (1914-1985), who was Clerk of the Senate from 1965 to 1979 and Deputy Clerk from 1955 to 1965, as the “engine room of the place”. There was camaraderie among Senate officers—and golf played a part too.

Alan Cumming Thom oral history audio transcript (MS Word)

Alan Cumming Thom was recorded for the Oral History Program by Philip O’Brien in 2005. The full interview is not currently available online but can be listened to in the Australian Prime Ministers Centre. Please contact the Centre prior to your visit and quote the reference number OHI 102.