Yeh I've got Sea Fishes of Southern Australia here, I think its a 1999 publish. Under Tassel-Snouted Flathead it reads this.
Inhabits sandy bottoms in reef and weed areas of Australia's southern half (exept Tas). Base colour variable, including white, brown, orange, red and purple. Best recognised by the prominent spines on top of the head and the dark band along rear margin of the first dorsal fin. Bushy tenticle occasionally present on eye. Found NSW from Newcastle, Vic, SA to WA. Max. length 38 cm.
How does that sound Dan?
Cheers
Jeff