AHISA welcomes appointment of Hon Alan Tudge as Minister for Education and Youth

Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) welcomes the appointment of the Hon Alan Tudge, member for Aston, as federal Minister for Education and Youth.

AHISA CEO, Ms Beth Blackwood, said Minister Tudge brings significant experience to the Education portfolio.

‘As senior adviser to former Education Minister the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson in the Howard Government, and as Deputy Director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership prior to his election to Parliament, Minister Tudge has already gained valuable insights into the education sector and some of its key challenges,’ said Ms Blackwood.

‘Ministers Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham and the Hon Dan Tehan both made substantial policy contributions to school education and we expect further policy development under Minister Tudge’s leadership,’ said Ms Blackwood.

AHISA also welcomes the appointment of the Hon Luke Howarth MP as Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services under the continued leadership of Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash as Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, with the Hon Andrew Gee MP remaining as Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education.

‘Ensuring all young Australians have the opportunity to access quality educational opportunities and viable post-school pathways is essential for individuals, communities and the nation as a whole,’ said Ms Blackwood. ‘AHISA has made substantive submissions to Parliament on the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and on educational provision in regional and remote areas, and we look forward to progressing these issues with Ministers.’

AHISA also welcomes the Government’s focus on mental health with the appointment of the Hon David Coleman MP as Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for mental health and suicide prevention.

‘AHISA contributed important evidence on schools and student wellbeing to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health, and we look forward to further engagement in policy consultations on the mental health of young people,’ said Ms Blackwood.

/Public Release.