Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced this week that the government will consider structures to improve coordination across the national teaching and learning architecture.
Discussions about a potential new Teaching and Learning Commission would consolidate the important work of ACARA, AITSL, AERO and Education Services Australia and aim to improve cohesion across their functions.
As indicated in our response to the Review of the National Architecture in 2020, we look forward to working alongside the government to contribute to this important discussion.
Most importantly we will be advocating to ensure that the voice of both teachers and students is present in the structures designed to support them.
I can see how this suggestion will help focus on the intention of reform and ensure greater coherence between the state and federal educational bodies so that teachers can focus on the work of educating our students rather than the intricacies of navigating various bureaucratic structures.
Role of Catholic communicators as messengers of hope
I was honoured to deliver the keynote at last week’s 2025 Australasian Catholic Press Association Conference in Canberra. It was wonderful to connect with Catholic communicators from across Australasia and New Zealand and reflect on the important work they do every day.
In my keynote, I talked about our role under the conference theme of ‘messengers of hope’, and how truth, beauty, and goodness can guide the way we communicate. I believe we can use storytelling, media, and modern tools to bring people together, inspire confidence, and act with integrity, especially when dealing with challenges like misinformation, polarisation, and AI.
Every positive story we share, and every act of service we highlight, helps build stronger, more connected communities. It was a privilege to celebrate the work of Catholic communicators and explore practical ways to bring hope and goodness into the stories we tell.
Protecting our children
This week is Child Protection Week 2025, and the theme, Every Conversation Matters, is a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in keeping children safe.
In Catholic education, it is up to all of us to ensure that our most vulnerable students are protected. By listening, acting, and supporting one another, we can create safe, caring environments where every child feels valued and secure.
Catholics around Australia will also mark Safeguarding Sunday on September 14, giving us an opportunity to highlight the steps being taken to protect our most vulnerable children and reinforce our commitment to their safety.
Let’s commit to turning meaningful conversations into actions that truly safeguard children, because every conversation matters.
Reminder: Conference On-demand ticket still available
Finally, a reminder to anyone who wasn’t able to make it to the recent 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference that the on-demand ticket is still available until 30 September, you can find out how to register here.
Photo: Jacinta Collins and Jason Clare