[2] Carter was appointed as a Commissioner of the Peace,[4] and in this capacity visited the Brickfields Hiring Depot in 1844 with William Watchorn, and reported on the condition of female convicts there.

They stated that "the whole system is one of great mismanagement dangerous to the community & destructive of any hope that might otherwise be entertained of the moral reformation of any of the Class.

"[2] Carter later became a Member of the Legislative Council for Hobart, along with Thomas Horne and James Milne Wilson, serving in this office from 1859 to 1865.

[2] Carter has been described as a "shrewd and astute business man,"[8] while his obituary noted that he "was especially distinguished for his aversion to slander and backbiting.

"[2] Carter sailed from London on 20 July 1833 on board the barque "Wave" with his wife Mary Ann, 6 children and 3 servants.