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Biographical Details

Mr Paul O’Sullivan AO

Prior to taking up his most recent appointment as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr O’Sullivan was Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) from 2005 until 28 February 2009. In 2004 to 2005, Mr O’Sullivan was the Senior Adviser (International) in the office of the Prime Minister (The Hon John Howard MP).

Mr O’Sullivan was a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2003 until 2004. He served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador in Bonn and Berlin (1999 2003), Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington (1996-98) and Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Disarmament issues, based in Geneva (1991-94). Mr O’Sullivan has also served in the Australian Embassies in Rome and Cairo.

In Canberra, Mr O’Sullivan has held a range of senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including First Assistant Secretary, International Organisations and Legal Division (1995-96) and First Assistant Secretary, Americas and Europe Division (1994-95).

Mr O'Sullivan was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2010 Honours List, for service to public administration through significant contributions to the advancement of Australia's security and the development of international relations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Sydney. Mr O’Sullivan is married and he and his wife, Merrilyn, have three sons.