Peter Johnson grew up in Eastwood in Sydney and on leaving school joined the Australian Customs Service from which he retired after a career of some 37 years, holding various senior roles.

While working, Peter studied at night to obtain Bachelor of Arts and Master of Economics degrees from Macquarie University. He then contracted on and off for several years with the Australian National Audit Office and is now officially retired from paid employment.

Married, with four adult daughters, two son in laws, five grandchildren, of which his eldest grandson and granddaughter both played rugby in 2018, Peter been an active member of the Gungahlin Eagles Rugby Union Club and ACT&SNSW Rugby for the past 22 years, filling numerous volunteer roles, including Club President of both senior and junior clubs.