On 29 January 2026 TEACHO Ltd. Director Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan was awarded the Vic Taylor Distinguished Long Term Contribution award by the Association of Industrial Relations Academics of Australia and New Zealand (AIRAANZ).
This award recognises a long-term contribution to research scholarship, teaching and engagement and the field of industrial relations.
On receiving the award, Professor Quinlan stated: “I am humbled by the awarding of this honour by my peers in industrial relations, an award that commemorates Vic Taylor, an eminent scholar and lovely person who left us way too soon.”
Professor Quinlan attended the first AIRAANZ meeting in 1983, downplaying his contribution as “limited, aside from writing several satirical papers on how to get published and the art of academic revenge.”
Ever humble, in his acceptance speech at the AIRAANZ 2026 Conference Dinner held at the University of Technology Sydney, Professor Quinlan reflected, “I did try to build the field at Griffith University and to hang onto it at UNSW as Head of School. I also tried to demonstrate OHS was central to Industrial Relations and to try to shape policy by working with government, industry and unions, including being a Director of TEACHO and Mates in Construction NSW.”
TEACHO Ltd. commissions and supports vital research in the transport and logistics industry, partnering with respected academics and leading universities and institutions. In recent years TEACHO has delivered reports on Productivity and Regulation in Supply Chains; Infection Control; and the Gig Economy. TEACHO also offer a biennial Fellowship of $20,000 to support students in the field of Industrial Relations.
Chair of TEACHO Ltd., Paul Ryan said, “The work TEACHO does in the research space is vital for our industry. It plays a key role in informing decision-makers, driving efficiencies, and lifting safety standards. We are fortunate and proud to have Professor Quinlan on our Board, leading the way.”
