John G. G. Morton graduated with a BSc. (Hons.) in Geology from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1979 and with a MSc. in Applied Geology from the University of New South Wales in 1982. His postgraduate research focussed on Mesozoic marine invertebrates. He commenced work for the South Australian Government in 1982 with the Mines and Energy Department in various roles relating to petroleum geology, regulation and mining environmental assessment until his retirement in 2012. He is the author of over 40 scientific publications relating to the petroleum geology of South Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory.