Following the war , Serong returned to Melbourne but struggled to return to civilian life and lived apart from his family , who had begun to live their own lives in his long absence . He was considered a world authority on counter-insurgency operations , and wrote widely on the subject in the 1970s . Described by John Farquharson as a major Cold War figure , Serong was recognised internationally for developing new tactics for counter-insurgency and jungle warfare . In retirement he became involved in anti-communist organisations and citizens ' militia groups such as Ausi Freedom Scouts ( Australians United for Survival and Freedom ) , of which he was a patron . He also supported conspiracy theories about the Port Arthur shooting in 1996 and allegations of government corruption ( later found to have been based on a hoax , albeit unbeknown to Serong ) as well as speaking on Australian defence issues . He was at times associated with right-wing individuals or organisations , advocating nationalism and the need for increased defence spending as part of a " forward defence " strategy , as well as strengthening of the peace-time Army Reserve , the development of inland Australia , opposition to gun control , concerns about the loss of national sovereignty and financial autonomy to the United Nations and International Monetary Fund , and limitations on immigration . While at times a controversial figure , his public reputation remained high and his opinions were rarely the subject of criticism in the media . Serong died of heart disease on 1 October 2002 and was survived by his wife and their three daughters and three sons . He was aged 86
Port Arthur shooting
Port Arthur massacre (Australia)
Ted Serong