Robert Dunne (bishop)

Robert Dunne (1830 – 1917) was an Irish-born Roman Catholic clergyman who served as the second Roman Catholic Bishop of Brisbane, Australia.

Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, Dunne was educated at St. Kieran's College and All Hallows College, Dublin, being ordained to the priesthood in 1853. He initially ministered in the Archdiocese of Dublin before volunteering for missionary service in Queensland, Australia. He arrived in Brisbane in 1863.

Dunne served as a parish priest in Ipswich and later as Vicar-General of the Diocese of Brisbane under Bishop James Quinn. Upon Quinn's death in 1881, Dunne was appointed Bishop of Brisbane by Pope Leo XIII in 1882. He was consecrated bishop in St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, on 18 May 1882.

As Bishop of Brisbane, Dunne oversaw significant growth in the Catholic Church in Queensland. He established numerous new parishes, schools, and religious institutions. He is particularly remembered for his efforts in promoting Catholic education. His episcopate saw the construction of the current St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane, which replaced the earlier, smaller cathedral.

Dunne's leadership was marked by his dedication to the pastoral care of his flock and his active involvement in social issues. He advocated for the rights of workers and supported various charitable causes. He retired as Bishop of Brisbane in 1917 and died later that same year. He is buried in the crypt of St Stephen's Cathedral.