It is with heavy hearts we acknowledge the passing of highly influential and distinguished Dr Peter O’Brien
A special thanks to Herman Raadsma for the supporting words
Peter was a highly experienced public-sector chief executive who provided outstanding leadership in multi-disciplinary scientific research teams across government, non-government and tertiary sectors. His leadership extended to supporting and nurturing people and collaboration to enable others to have impact across many major natural resource issues over recent times. Peter had his own achievements leading the integration of social and Indigenous and biological sciences within leading national institutions. His professional life was driven by a deep understanding of the role of science in informing policy and change across agriculture, fisheries, forestry, rural industries development, Indigenous land management, salinity, and pest species management.
Born on 18th January 1956, Peter graduated with a PhD in Zoology from the University of Queensland and commenced his research career at Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, NSW DPI in 1984, before moving to Canberra in 1988 as a Principal Research Scientist and Director of the Agricultural Production and Natural Resources branch with the Bureau of Rural Sciences. He continued his leadership role as Executive Director from 1995-2005 at the Bureau which had grown to an organisation of 160 scientific and administrative staff providing scientific advice to inform government policy across fisheries, forestry and agriculture.
In 2005 he was appointed as Managing Director with Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, an appointment he held till 2011. With an extensive network of contacts, high level skills, and experience in strategy and governance, he continued his leadership services as an independent consultant in 2011 before formally retiring in 2020.
Peter contributed significantly to FRDC, fulfilling various roles, including a term on the FRDC Board and chairing the National Carp Control Program Scientific Advisory Committee and Commonwealth Research Advisory Committee. In these roles Peter was highly regarded as an independent leader who could synthesise complex multidisciplinary science and bring people together to a consensus.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Peter was known for his acute intellect, kindness, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to provide outstanding leadership."
"He is survived by his long-term partner, Sylvana Maas and his four children Mathew, Richard, Caitlin, and Hugh. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the scientific community at large.” expressed Emeritus Professor Hermanus Raadsma of the University of Sydney.
