Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry today hosted a regional education stakeholder roundtable with Australia’s First Regional Education Commissioner, Fiona Nash.
Ms Nash was appointed to the role on 6 December 2021 by the Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie to bring a national focus and direction for regional, rural and remote education, and to champion the educational needs of students in regional communities.
Ms Landry said the regional education stakeholder roundtable brought a range of stakeholders together including state and independent School Principals, the Director of Catholic Education (Diocese of Rockhampton) and the Vice-Chancellor & President of CQUniversity Australia.
“Education and access to the opportunities it generates, is essential for the Capricornia electorate and it is fundamental that we work to reduce the disparity between city and country students, particularly in relation to education participation and attainment,” Ms Landry said.
“I was impressed with the level of input and I thank the educational leaders for their attendance in today’s roundtable.
“Fiona and I heard first-hand the opportunities and challenges regional education faces and we will continue to advocate for the improvement of education policies spanning early childhood education and care, schools, and tertiary education to better support regional, rural and remote students.”
The appointment of a Regional Education Commissioner is part of the Australian Government’s response to the National Regional, Rural and Remote Tertiary Education Strategy.
The Australian Government has committed $6 million over four years to establish the role to improve regional education outcomes and reduce the disparity between city and country student outcomes.
