Bishops announce Catholic Education Queensland Limited Board

The Bishops of Queensland have announced the appointment of the inaugural Board of Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL), the new peak body for Catholic education in Queensland.

From 1 January 2026, CEQL will replace the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, which has served the sector since 1973.

The Bishops said in a joint statement the appointed Non-Executive Directors bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to Catholic education.

They are:

Patricia Alner: Director of Planning at Bond University and Chair of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) Audit and Risk Committee, with deep expertise in strategy, finance, performance and technology in the education sector.

Eloise Atkinson: Architect and Chair of Brisbane Housing Company, with 30 years’ experience in school master planning and a strong focus on equity in education and housing.

Peter Chapman: Experienced Catholic education leader and consultant, with senior roles across diocesan and Religious Institute schools and in governance.

Mick Gooda: Prominent advocate for First Nations justice, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, and Co-Commissioner of the NT Royal Commission.

Alanna Jacoby: Chief of Mission at Mater Queensland, with professional qualifications in Theology and Educational Leadership and significant experience across areas of Catholic education, health, ethics, and formation.

Tim McGrath: Lawyer with more than 35 years’ experience and a strong record of service in the not-for-profit sector, particularly in social justice.

John Mula OAM: Educator and Catholic education advocate with 40 years’ leadership across multiple states and dioceses.

Carmel Nash OAM: Executive Director of Catholic School Parents Queensland and longstanding voice for parent and family engagement in education at both state and national levels.

The Bishops announced in April the inaugural CEQL Board would be chaired by Madeline Brennan KC.

They said that Ms Brennan’s leadership as Chair of QCEC had been instrumental in guiding the transition to CEQL and that her appointment as Chair of the CEQL Board would ensure continuity and experienced stewardship during the establishment phase.

CEQL has been established as a company limited by guarantee following an extensive governance review and wide-ranging consultation across the Catholic education sector.

The new organisation will oversee accountability, compliance and advocacy functions, with continued strong engagement with Catholic School Authorities through the Catholic Education Leaders Committee. It will be governed by the independent Board and overseen by the company members: the five Queensland Diocesan Bishops, a representative from Catholic Religious Australia, and a representative from the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons.

“With the establishment of CEQL, Catholic education in Queensland is well placed to continue its mission with integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to service,” the Bishops said.