Career
During the months of September 2013 and November 2014, he served as President of the United Nations Security Council. Since 2007, until his appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Quinlan was the Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security. Quinlan joined the then Department of Foreign Affairs in 1973 and has served in several senior positions in the Department in Canberra including First Assistant Secretary, Consular, Public Diplomacy and Parliamentary Affairs Division (2007) and First Assistant Secretary, Americas and Europe Division (2000-2001).
He was Head of the Australian Delegation to the Law of the Sea Preparatory Commission from 1987 until 1988.
Quinlan"s overseas assignments have been as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy Washington District of Columbia (2005-2007). High Commissioner to Singapore (2001-2005).
First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, New York (1981-1985). Australian Deputy Permanent Delegate to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris (1979-1981).
And Second Secretary in Dublin (1974-1977).
He was attached to the Economic Development Institute, World Bank in Washington District of Columbia Quinlan was educated at the University of Newcastle and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours. He also holds the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (Honorary Doctor of Letters Newc, 2007).
