John (Johnno) O’Callaghan is a Canberra-based government relations practitioner with over 30 years experience.

Following 15 years working in the Department of Defence he was appointed as a senior defence adviser then senior parliamentary adviser to Kim Beazley, a former Minister for Defence and Leader of the House of Representatives.

Johnno became the coordinator of a leadership group responsible for managing the parliamentary arrangements for both the Hawke and Keating Governments.  His colleagues included current Treasurer, Wayne Swan and Defence Minister, Stephen Smith.

In the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Johnno served as the Chief of Staff to former NSW Public Works Minister, Morris Iemma , who later became Premier of NSW.  His extensive private sector experience included as Corporate Affairs Manager at Bonlac Foods (now Fonterra) and as a government relations adviser for a number of major companies, including Virgin Blue (now Virgin Australia).

Johnno is the Executive Officer to the Australian Industry Group Defence Council, whose membership includes all Australia’s prime defence contractors.

Johnno’s experience makes him an invaluable counsel to clients seeking to engage the complex environment of federal politics, including the Australian Parliament.