[2] The mill evolved into "a well-known Queensland business dynasty in flour manufacturing" and O'Brien's first job was as a trainee baker.
[1] Before entering politics O'Brien worked overseas for an extended period in business development roles.
It was reported that he and the national executive would "concentrate their Canberra lobbying on Coalition MPs, who are essential to any political move to revisit the question of a republic".
[1] O'Brien first ran for parliament at the 2007 federal election, losing to the incumbent Australian Labor Party (ALP) member Arch Bevis in the Division of Brisbane.
[10] In November 2012, he won LNP preselection for the Division of Fairfax, defeating former national rugby coach John Connolly.
It was initially expected that Palmer would seek re-election in the same seat,[14] but he eventually decided to leave federal politics.
[16] As of June 5, 2022, Ted O'Brien serves as the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy in the Australian House of Representatives.