Dr Denver Beanland AM holds a Bachelor of Arts with first class Honours in History (2003) and a PhD in History (2008) from The University of Queensland.

Denver is the author of three books: A Court Apart: The District Court of Queensland (2009) – a history of the Court; The Queensland Caesar: Sir Thomas McIlwraith (2013) – a biography of a three times colonial Premier; and Brisbane – Australia’s New World City: A History of the old Town Hall, City Hall, and the Brisbane City Council 1985 – 2013 (2016). He is also the author of many published articles.  

Denver served as a Member of the Queensland Parliament from 1986 to 2001. He was the Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister Responsible for Consumer Affairs from 1996-98 and was leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party 1990-91. Between 1976 and 1986 Denver was an Alderman of the Brisbane City Council and, in 1985-86, was Vice-Mayor.  

Denver is Chair of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council. He is a past President of The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, currently serves on the Society's Council, and in 2019 was elected a Fellow of the Society. He is also Chair of the Brisbane City Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee.  

'I am delighted to be Chair of the Advisory Council as it allows me to contribute to the vital work of the National Archives in the preservation and retention of Australia’s history, character and identity.'