Born on the 12th of March, 1983, in the coastal town of Burnie, Tasmania, David Alexander O'Neil grew up in a close-knit family. His parents, Michael and Sophia O'Neil, instilled in him a strong sense of justice and community from an early age. Michael, a respected local solicitor, and Sophia, a dedicated primary school teacher, fostered David's inherent curiosity and empathy, qualities that would later serve him well in his chosen career.

As a child, David was an avid swimmer and surfer, spending countless hours exploring the rugged coastline near his home. His love for the outdoors and his connection to the tight-knit Burnie community shaped his worldview and his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

In 1998, at the age of 15, David's family relocated to Hobart, where he enrolled at Taroona High School. Despite the initial challenges of adapting to a new environment, David quickly found his footing, excelling in his studies and becoming actively involved in various school programmes. He developed a keen interest in social sciences, particularly in understanding the factors that contribute to crime and social inequality.

Outside of the classroom, David continued to pursue his passion for sports, joining the school's football and athletics teams. He also discovered a new outlet for his energy and desire to help others by volunteering with local community organisations, including a youth mentoring programme and a charity that provided support to underprivileged families.

After graduating from Taroona High School in 2003, David's commitment to serving his community led him to enrol in the Tasmania Police Academy. He thrived in the challenging and rigorous training environment, graduating with honours in 2006 and receiving the prestigious Commissioner's Award for Academic Excellence.

As a young constable, David quickly earned a reputation for his dedication, integrity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He spent his early years in the force honing his skills in community policing, working tirelessly to build trust and foster positive relationships between the police and the communities they serve.

In 2010, driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of the criminal justice system, David enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) programme at the University of Tasmania. Balancing his studies with his full-time police work, he graduated with First Class Honours in 2012, earning recognition for his groundbreaking research on the effectiveness of community policing strategies in reducing crime and promoting social cohesion.

Throughout his career, David has continued to rise through the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities. His promotion to Detective Constable in 2015 saw him join the Criminal Investigation Branch, where he played a key role in solving a number of high-profile cases, including a major identity theft ring that targeted vulnerable elderly residents in Hobart.

Now, as a Sergeant in the Professional Standards Command, David is committed to upholding the integrity and professionalism of the Tasmania Police. He continues to serve as a mentor and role model to younger officers, inspiring them with his unwavering dedication to justice, compassion, and community service.

Despite the demands of his career, David maintains a strong connection to his family and his roots. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Emily, a nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and a loving father to their two children, Chelsea and Adam. In his limited free time, David enjoys exploring Tasmania's natural wonders with his family, volunteering with local youth organisations, and cheering on his beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos in the Australian Football League.