After working for the food industry in research and development and subsequently quality control, Bill Porter joined what was then the food inspection branch of the NSW Health Commission, as the branch’s Food Technologist. The branch’s role was the administration and enforcement of Food legislation in New South Wales. His role included the development of food regulations on both a state and national level, initially through the NSW Food Advisory Committee and the National Health and Medical Research Council, and ultimately through to what is now Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Labelling enforcement was also a major role as food labelling standards became more detailed, and included the declaration of ingredients generally and later, food allergens.

With the increased incidence of allergies in the community he worked with industry, Anaphylaxis Australia and the Coeliac Society to develop an effective voluntary allergen labelling system in addition to ingredient listing. From the same time food recalls for undeclared allergens increased yearly and he coordinated the recall procedure for all foods in NSW for many years. On the merger of the NSW Health food inspectorate into the NSW Food Authority he continued his role in the development of food standards and food legislation. Retiring in 2009 he has continued to provide advice to both A&AA and Coeliac Australia.