Ted O'Brien
LNP Federal

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

Marginal

3.23% Margin

Elected 2016

10 years

Member for Fairfax (QLD)

Federal - QLD

Ted was born in Brisbane in 1974, the youngest of nine children. He grew up working in the family flour mill business based in Toowoomba and attended Nudgee College, where he was School Captain.

Ted has attained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland (QU), a Master of Business Administration (Honours) from the University of Melbourne (UOM) and a Master of Economics (International Political Economy) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Ted bega...

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Portfolios

  • Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

Committees

  • Nuclear Energy

Key Staff

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

31 August 2016

# Economic Growth # Health and Wellbeing # Community and Family Values

Personal Background and Values

  • Ted O'Brien represents Fairfax, highlighting its unique community and natural beauty, while acknowledging the struggles many face, including cost-of-living and career prospects.
  • He values a strong family, with heartfelt mentions of his wife Sophia and his late father, emphasising a commitment to serving the community over personal ambition.

Policy Goals and Vision

  • O'Brien envisions a future for the Sunshine Coast that focuses on health, economic diversification, and modern infrastructure, promoting a clean, green economy.
  • He advocates for a balanced approach to governance, encouraging the devolution of responsibilities to states for health and education, while fostering individual responsibility alongside rights.

Leadership and Change

  • O'Brien believes that strong leadership is essential for cultural shifts in Australia, aiming to break myths about economic growth being at odds with public service investment.
  • He stresses the need for a proactive approach to challenges, ensuring Australia can control its destiny by leveraging its strengths and addressing economic realities.

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FAQ

Steven Hamilton is Ted O'Brien's Chief of Staff.

Ted O'Brien represents the electorate of Fairfax (QLD) in the Australian Parliament.

Ted O'Brien is a member of the Liberal National Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

The Australian - Warning over PA, Hamas policy

Media Release • 10 July

Foreign Affairs and Trade National Security

AI Summary

  • Labor's draft policy on Palestine has been amended, reducing criticism of Israel.
  • Key conditions for Hamas disarmament and Palestinian Authority reform were removed.
  • Critics argue that this undermines Labor's previous commitments and bipartisan Middle East policy.
  • Pressure on Hamas and the PA is suggested to be captured by a reference to the UN Security Council.
  • Calls for reinstating prerequisites for recognition of Palestine to ensure regional stability.

Joint Media Release - Response to PLA Navy Nuclear-Capable Missile Test in the South Pacific

Media Release • 8 July

AI Summary

  • The Coalition is alarmed by the PLA Navy's nuclear-capable missile test with minimal notice.
  • China's actions are viewed as destabilising and threatening to the South Pacific region.
  • The Coalition advocates for a peaceful and stable South Pacific, opposing actions that undermine this goal.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

National Security

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 2 July

National Security

AI Summary

  • Mr O'Brien questioned the Prime Minister on recent security breaches, including shots fired at a Border Force vessel and significant cocaine seizures.
  • He highlighted the arrival of illegal immigrants in Far North Queensland, suggesting a lack of border protection by the Albanese government.
  • O'Brien expressed concerns about the government's effectiveness in managing national security and border issues.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Budget

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 25 June

Income Tax Economy

AI Summary

  • Australia's competitiveness is declining, with productivity, investment, and workforce skills regressing according to the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia's report.
  • The Albanese government is raising personal income taxes and capital gains taxes, which is seen as detrimental to economic competitiveness.
  • Calls for the government to justify tax increases and to present them to the public rather than imposing them without electoral mandate.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 14 July 2026

Health Funding

The Albanese Government is stripping back the private health insurance rebate for Australians aged 65 and over. I will stand up for choice and for older Australians. Sign the petition here: https://www.liberal.org.au/handsoffhealth
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 13 July 2026

Australians deserve to keep more of their own money. That’s exactly what our plan delivers. Swipe to find out more.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 12 July 2026

Income Tax

Australians deserve to keep more of what they earn. The Coalition’s Tax Back Guarantee will end bracket creep once and for all, delivering the largest permanent cut in personal income taxes in a generation and putting more money back into household budgets. https://lnkd.in/eWRKmpC7
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 25 June 2026

Foreign policy starts at home. At the National Press Club yesterday, I argued that Australia has entered a new age of entrenched strategic competition characterised by the convergence of economics and security and rapid technological change. To meet these new challenges head on we must first get our own house in order. We must rebuild our economy, strengthen our resilience through abundant and affordable energy and restore our national unity is the starting point. But home is not where it ...
Open Post