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...
Portfolios
- Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs
Committees
- Nuclear Energy
- Intelligence and Security
Key Staff
-
Steven Hamilton
Chief of Staff
****@****.gov.au
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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.
FAQ
Latest Updates
Media Releases
AI Summary
- Ted O'Brien expresses condolences for victims of flash floods in Nepal.
- Concern is raised for Australians reported missing in the area.
- DFAT is working to confirm the welfare of Australians.
- Emergency consular assistance is available for Australians in need.
MEDIA STATEMENT - COALITION FORCES LABOR TO MOVE ON FOREIGN RESEARCH LOOPHOLE
Media Release • 24 August
Foreign Affairs and Trade International Relations National Security
AI Summary
- Albanese Government responds to Coalition pressure by amending foreign arrangements Bill.
- Amendment addresses loophole allowing sensitive researcher collaborations without oversight.
- Coalition established the Foreign Arrangements Scheme in 2020 to protect national interests.
- Concerns raised over collaborations with foreign actors, particularly involving Iranian and Chinese researchers.
- Coalition urges further action to ensure all collaborations are reported to the government.
In Parliament
BILLS › Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2026
Consideration of Senate Message
Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 20 August
International Relations National Security
AI Summary
- Thanks the government for working constructively with the coalition on the amendment to the foreign relations bill.
- Highlights a loophole that allows researchers to engage with foreign entities without notifying the Commonwealth, unlike universities.
- Notes that the government's amendment does not fully close this gap, as it lacks a statutory obligation for researcher-level collaborations.
- Commits to continue pressing the government to address national security concerns until the loophole is completely closed.
FEDERATION CHAMBER › BILLS › Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2026
Consideration in Detail
Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 19 August
Defence Foreign Affairs and Trade International Relations Defence Forces National Security
AI Summary
- Ted argues that Australia's espionage laws are ineffective in preventing unassessed collaborations between researchers and foreign powers, citing recent media reports as evidence.
- He highlights the risk of dual-use technology in academic collaborations, emphasising the naivety of some researchers rather than malicious intent.
- Ted criticises the government's reliance on media revelations rather than proactive assessments, calling for legislative amendments to close existing gaps in oversight.
Social Media
Posted on Facebook • 1 September 2026
Posted on Facebook • 31 August 2026
Posted on LinkedIn • 31 August 2026
Posted on LinkedIn • 17 August 2026