Graham Kierath MLA, in Premier Richard Court's Liberal-National Government; and Head of Department of Industrial Relations at The University of Western Australia.

[1] At the time, he was described by The Times of London as “probably the world's leading independent expert on why these highly paid, highly disciplined...men...have in recent years become so militant.”[2] In the Book's Preface, he acknowledges his Great-Uncle, Group Captain Grahame Christie, CMG, DSO, MC, a pioneer of British aviation, who gave him valuable insights into its development.

[13][14][15][16] He was a Research Consultant to both the Hancock Committee of Review into Australian Industrial Relations Law and Systems[17] and to the Holcroft Independent Public Inquiry into Domestic Air Fares (Australia).

[18] Blain was the Australian representative on a United States Information Service Delegation of labour relations experts from 25 countries, which conducted a month-long study tour of the US in 1983.

[19] In his academic years, he was a frequent National and State Commentator for Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio and TV on industrial relations and business.

Graham Kierath MLA, in the portfolios of: Labour Relations; Works; Services; Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs; Health; Housing; Lands; Planning; Heritage; Employment and Training; and Minister assisting the Treasurer.

[32] By 2002, Western Australian workplace agreements had become the most important form of work regulation in the State's dominant resources sector, with approximately 85% coverage of all employees.

[36] In 2009, the Western Australian legislation was followed by the more comprehensive National Employment Standards in the Rudd Federal Labor Government's Fair Work Act.

[40] Blain was a Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (2001–08),[41] with the rank and status of a Federal Court Judge.