Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner, the Hon Fiona Nash, has been reappointed for a further two years.
Commissioner Nash is a champion for regional, rural and remote people. Since her appointment in December 2021, Commissioner Nash has worked with stakeholders and all levels of government to improve access to high-quality education for regional, rural and remote Australians across all sectors, regardless of where they live.
Nearly a third of Australia’s population lives in regional, rural and remote Australia, but regional students and their families often find themselves dealing with challenges like greater distances to services and higher costs in accessing education outside major cities.
In the role, Commissioner Nash identified key themes including the need:
- for flexible education policies that can adapt to differing needs in and across regional, rural and remote communities
- to nurture the aspiration and build the confidence of young people in regional, rural and remote areas, and
- for collaboration between education sectors and linking students with the right education opportunities to support students and their communities.
Commissioner Nash was also a member of the Australian Universities Accord Panel which made recommendations to support more people to participate in higher education, including doubling the number of Regional University Study Hubs.
Commissioner Nash welcomes the opportunity to continue in the role to ensure people in regional communities have reliable, affordable access at every stage of education.
“Helping regional people through my role as Regional Education Commissioner is a highlight of my many years spent living and working in regional Australia,” said Commissioner Nash.
“I look forward to continuing to work with, and for, people across the regions to improve equity in education outcomes and build stronger regional, rural and remote communities.”
To find out more about the role, visit Regional Education Commissioner.