He studied law at the University of Western Australia and subsequently worked as a barrister in Perth.

[2] Viner left school at the age of 15 and began working for the Union Bank of Australia, at its Bunbury and York.

He also completed National Service training with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

[4] Following the Coalition's victory at the 1975 federal election, Viner was appointed Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the Fraser government on 22 December 1975.

[1] He was reportedly a "surprise inclusion" in the ministry, having not been a part of Fraser's shadow cabinet and having previously had limited involve in Aboriginal affairs.

[1] Viner was an unsuccessful candidate for the deputy leadership of the Liberal Party in April 1982, following Phillip Lynch's resignation.

[7] In a ministerial reshuffle the following month, Viner was removed from cabinet and instead appointed Minister for Defence Support.

[13] Viner played field hockey throughout his political career and later captained Australia at a masters level.