Dennis O’Neill BSc (Hons) FAusIMM
Director
Foundation 1901
“But, after all the law claims to be, and is, the sublimation of common sense, and it is an article of faith with me that there is nothing in the Constitution or its history that is incapable of comprehension of an attentive mind really interested in public affairs”
Robert Garran (1958) Prosper the Commonwealth
Dennis O’Neill’s skills and experience perfectly reflect the diversity of perspectives necessary to engage with Australia’s Federation and therefore oversee the objectives of Foundation 1901; large/small, high level strategy/technical detail, public policy/private objectives. Above all, he is committed to the belief that whatever successes have gone before, we must always strive for better.
Dennis has over 50 years experience across technical, policy, commercial and advocacy roles many intersecting with broader consultations of taxation, environment, indigenous affairs, energy, infrastructure, regulation, nuclear policy and disarmament and resource development. His resource sector experience frequently involved him at the interface between State and Commonwealth interests and obligations.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council for Infrastructure Development (AusCID), Dennis took a lead role in transforming public understanding and government attention to the importance of infrastructure to everyday life. He held this position for 11 years.
In an era of professional specialisation, the common thread through Dennis’ career is his ability to ‘translate’ between different interests and perspectives of complex negotiations toward common objectives.
Dennis has previously held directorships in both listed and unlisted public companies and the not-for-profit sector. He is currently the Managing Director of Resource Future Pty Limited providing strategic advisory, project management and advocacy consulting.
Dennis has academic qualifications in science (chemistry and biochemistry).