Belinda O’Connor

Economic EquityDisabilityHuman RightsWomenHealth
Written By Jinghua Qian
Headshot of Belinda O'Connor, wearing glasses and an infinity symbol necklace.
Belinda is sitting on a motorbike, wearing full black and white biking gear, and smiling to the camera. Her bioptic glasses are visible under her helmet.

Belinda O’Connor is a senior public policy specialist and the founding director of Bioptic Drivers Australia, an organisation advocating for people living with vision impairment to have fair access to independent travel. 

Born with a significant vision impairment, Belinda was told that she would never drive a car. Today she is Australia’s first bioptic motorcyclist, holds a driver's licence and is a keen cyclist. Belinda believes all Australians deserve fair, consistent and evidence-based licensing standards that protect both public safety and disabled people’s rights to economic and social inclusion. 

Belinda is a regular media commentator, appearing on ABC News, The Drum, WIN News, Radio 1RPH and ABC Canberra Afternoons. In 2026 she completed Emerging Voices, an 8-week disability-led media traineeship delivered by ABC Canberra, Powerd Media and Radio 1RPH, strengthening her audio storytelling, interviewing and broadcast communication skills. She is an active writer across blogs, social media and policy commentary.

With more than 25 years’ experience across the Australian Public Service and the not-for-profit sector, Belinda is sought after for clear, evidence-based analysis and lived-experience insight across disability, transport, and public policy systems. She is available to speak on:

  • Public policy governance — compliance, regulatory decision-making, and government systems

  • Vision impairment and assistive technology

  • Assessing Fitness to Drive — driver licensing, bioptic driving, and transport access

  • Autonomous and adaptive vehicles — ADAS and ADS policy, safety and regulation

  • Disability barriers — education, employment, transport, licensing, training, and access to non-NDIS supports

  • Women’s health — menopause, PMDD, anxiety, depression and mental health

  • Public service disability inclusion — structural barriers and reform opportunities

Belinda holds a Bachelor of International Business and multiple professional qualifications in governance, project management, leadership and compliance. She was awarded a Churchill fellowship in 2022. She is an active member of the Disability Leadership Institute, United Blind Leaders Women with Disability ACT, Blind Citizens Australia, and People with Disability Australia.

Jinghua Qian
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