As the current Executive Director, the Honourable Jacinta Collins completes her time at the helm of the national peak body for Catholic education, the bishops of Australia have announced the appointment of The Honourable Scott Ryan as the next Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC).
Mr Ryan brings extensive educational policy knowledge and experience having served within the Australian Government during pivotal points in the educational landscape as a former ministerial advisor and Parliamentary Secretary / Assistant Minister for Education, then as Minister for Vocation Education and Skills.
Most recently, Mr Ryan was Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada having previously held several senior positions in the Australian parliament including President of the Senate and Special Minister of State.
Mr Ryan has deep experience across a career which has demonstrated policy expertise and analysis and a capacity to influence and engage diverse stakeholders across the political landscape. Mr Ryan is respected across politics and the senior government bureaucracy, and his high-level public advocacy will ensure Catholic education continues to contribute significantly to the development of Australian Educational Policy and the delivery of school education.
As the major provider of education outside of the government, Catholic education enrols one in five Australian students. Over the past seven years, during Ms Collins tenure, Catholic education has become a valued and influential voice in the educational landscape. This is a legacy that Mr Ryan will step into comfortably to ensure the thousands of families who chose a Catholic education are represented at the national policy table.
Mr Ryan’s proven ability to achieve bipartisan success, work effectively with government at all levels, and engage a wide range of stakeholders positions him as a trusted and influential leader.
Regarding his appointment Mr Ryan said, “The demand for faith-driven education is growing as parents and families seek more than curriculum. As well as quality teachers and a school community of shared values, they seek a faith and ethical framework for their children which can guide them throughout their lives. This upswing in the growth of Catholic Education presents both an opportunity and a responsibility – one I am delighted to have the privilege to lead”.
Scott will begin with the NCEC on January 19, 2026, and have the opportunity for a period of handover
with Jacinta Collins before she completes her term as Executive Director at the end of February 2026.