William Peter Coleman (born 15 December 1928) is an Australian writer and former politician. A widely published journalist for over 60 years, he was editor of The Bulletin (1964-1967) and of Quadrant for 20 years, and has published 16 books on political, biographical and cultural subjects. While still working as an editor and journalist he had a short but distinguished political career as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1968-1978 for the Liberal Party of Australia, serving both as a Minister in the State Cabinet and in the final year as Leader of the New South Wales Opposition. From 1981-1986 was Member for Wentworth in the Australian House of Representatives. In 2008 he was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) at the University of Sydney for services to Australian intellectual life.