Paul O'Sullivan
Australian security intelligence director
| Paul O'Sullivan
| |
|---|---|
| Image | .jpg) Paul O'Sullivan |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Diplomat; public servant; intelligence director |
| Known for | Director-General of Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation 21 July 2005 – 28 February 2009[1] |
| Predecessor | Dennis Richardson |
Paul O'Sullivan led the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) as director-general of security, from 2005 to 2009.[1]
Office held
| Office | Start | End | Predecessor | Successor | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director-General of Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation | 21 July 2005 | 28 February 2009 | Dennis Richardson | David Irvine | [1] |
ASIO leadership
Paul O'Sullivan succeeded Dennis Richardson as head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in July 2005. In announcing his departure in 2009, Attorney-General Robert McClelland credited him with leading the service through rapid growth and improving cooperation with other national-security agencies following the Street Review.[2]
The review examined interoperability between the Australian Federal Police and its security partners. It was conducted by Laurence Street, Martin Brady and Ken Moroney. The appointment announcement described O’Sullivan’s work on cooperation as part of the response to that review.[2]
Diplomatic appointment
Paul O'Sullivan left the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in 2009 to become Australian high commissioner to New Zealand. He was succeeded by David Irvine, previously director-general of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.[2]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Directors-General of Security, archived 12 February 2010, accessed 8 November 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sydney Morning Herald, David Irvine named as new ASIO chief, 25 February 2009, accessed 8 November 2026.