AHISA MEDIA RELEASE
26 August 2018

AHISA welcomes the Hon Dan Tehan MP to the education ministry

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) congratulates the Hon Dan Tehan MP on his appointment as Minister for Education in the ministry announced today by Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison.

AHISA’s National Chair, Dr Mark Merry, also congratulated departing Minister, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, for the high calibre of his work in the education portfolio.

‘Senator Birmingham has negotiated significant new investment in Australian education during his time as Minister,’ said Dr Merry, who is Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar in Victoria. ‘His attempt to introduce a new funding model for non-government schools that would be both equitable and transparent has been contentious, but Senator Birmingham remained open to ongoing consultations with the sector and listened carefully to all points of view. Throughout difficult negotiations he has shown great integrity and earned the respect of educators and sector representatives. We wish him well in his new portfolio.’

Dr Merry said AHISA looked forward to meeting with the new Minister.

‘We expect to establish good relations with Mr Tehan, and look forward to working with him,’ said Dr Merry. ‘Australia is close to finalising a federal funding compact for schools that irons out the policy distortions which are a legacy of previous funding models. The new Minister has important work before him and AHISA will certainly be participating in ongoing policy dialogue with high expectations and great good will.’

ENDS

Contact: Ms Beth Blackwood, AHISA CEO, mobile 0417 180 842.

AHISA is a professional association of 430 Heads of independent schools. Its members lead schools that collectively account for over 11 per cent of total Australian school enrolments and 20 per cent of Year 12 enrolments.

AHISA welcomes the Hon Dan Tehan MP to the education ministry - Media release