David Donovan

David Donovan, 40, is the editor of the online journal of Australian identity and democracy, www.independentaustralia.net, and a freelance journalist. He is also a vice chair of the Australian Republican Movement.

He was raised on cattle properties in Central Queensland and suffered a severe motor-bike accident at the age of 16, almost dying before being rescued by the Flying Doctor Service.

He studied law and accountancy at university, before spending several years working in London for several major investment banks, including UBS and Barclays Capital. At the same time, he studied journalism part-time, graduating in 2000.

Since then, he split himself between journalism and finance, before eventually giving up the numbers earlier this year.

David lives in Surfers Paradise with his wife, son, cat and somewhat destructive puppy. In his spare time loves playing, but these days mostly watching, sport.