High Commissioner to Nauru

Media release

13 February 2014

Mr Martin Quinn

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Martin Quinn as Australia's next High Commissioner to Nauru.

Mr Quinn is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was until recently Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and The Marshall Islands; and concurrently the Consul-General to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

He has previously served as Ambassador to Afghanistan; Counsellor in Seoul; First Secretary in Jakarta; and Third Secretary in Bangkok.

Australia has a close and long-standing relationship with Nauru underpinned by strong people-to-people and development links. Our aid program is continuing to make progress on key development priorities, particularly in the areas of health and education. Australia values the important contribution Nauru is making to deter illegal migration and combat people smuggling, including through offshore processing.

Australia works with Nauru in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum to address common global and regional challenges.

Mr Quinn is expected to take up his appointment this month replacing Mr Bruce Cowled.