[citation needed] Back lectured in Animal Science and Production at Curtin University (Muresk Institute) from 1975 to 1988.

He received the Prime Minister's Gold Award for technological achievement recognising the work undertaken in using satellites to track wildfires in remote locations.

Back then moved to Tasmania and purchased the wholesale and retail businesses of the Shell Company, which was his introduction to the Oil and Gas industry.

[citation needed] In 2009, Back was appointed by a joint sitting of the Western Australian Parliament to replace Chris Ellison,[2] who had resigned that January.

[citation needed] In the 44th Parliament, Back was chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislative Committee.