When Murray was a student at the University of Sydney he was the editor of "Hermes," with Geoffrey Lehmann (1962)"." Murray edited the magazine "Poetry Australia" (1973–79). During his tenure as poetry editor for Angus & Robertson (1976–90) he was responsible for publishing the first book of poetry by Philip Hodgins. In 1991 he became literary editor of "Quadrant". He edited several anthologies, including the "Anthology of Australian Religious Poetry". First published in 1986, it proved popular with readers, resulting in a second edition being published in 1991. It interprets religion loosely and includes the work of many of Australia's well-known poets, such A. D. Hope, Judith Wright, Rosemary Dobson, Kevin Hart, Bruce Dawe, and himself. The "New Oxford Book of Australian Verse" was most recently re-issued in 1996.