[2] Prior to his election he had been a lecturer/tutor in political science at the University of Queensland[3] and later a research officer with the then federal leader of the ALP and later, Governor General Bill Hayden.
[4] In his role as Treasurer he represented Queensland in negotiations leading to the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax in Australia.
After retiring from Parliament, Hamill undertook a PhD degree at the University of Queensland, and published his research as a book The impact of the new tax system on Australian Federalism.
[3] He has served as a director or chairman of several corporations and NGOs including Prime Infrastructure Holdings, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service,[5] Queensland Museum,[6] the Senate of the University of Queensland and Regional Development Australia, Ipswich and West Moreton Inc.
Hamill was appointed (2004–2006) as both the Qld Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia and a national board director.