Today I announce Fiona Nash will be reappointed to the role of Australia's Regional Education Commissioner for a further two years.
Ms Nash is a former Senator for New South Wales, a former Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Local Government and Territories and Australia's first Regional Education Commissioner.
She is a champion for the regions and has provided a national focus and direction for regional, rural and remote education since her appointment to the role in December 2021.
She is playing an important role in delivering on the Government's commitment to improve outcomes for students from early childhood education and care through to schools and tertiary education, no matter where they live.
As Regional Education Commissioner, Ms Nash was part of the Australian Universities Accord Panel which made several recommendations aimed at making sure more people get a crack at going to university.
The Albanese Government is delivering on many of the Accord recommendations including:
- Wiping $3 billion of student debt for 3 million Australians.
- Doubling the number of University Study Hubs - in the regions and for the first time in our outer suburbs.
- Massively expanding funding for free university ready courses.
- A new funding system for universities that guarantees a place at university for everyone from a disadvantaged background who gets the marks to get in.
- Needs based funding to support students while they're at uni.
- A new Australian Tertiary Education Commission to steer reform over multiple governments
I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Nash to build a better and fairer education system for all Australians.
Ms Nash's reappointment officially begins on 13 December 2024.
