New chapter for Catholic education in Queensland

Catholic Education Queensland Limited officially started operations on 1 January 2026, marking the beginning of a new governance era for Catholic education in Queensland.

The new entity replaces the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, which has served the sector since 1973. Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL) has been established as a company limited by guarantee following an extensive governance review and wide consultation across the Catholic education sector.

Chief Executive Officer Allan Blagaich said the transition to CEQL represented an important moment for the sector.

“This is a deliberate and considered evolution in how we support Catholic education in Queensland,” Mr Blagaich said. “We are building on the strong foundations laid over more than five decades, while ensuring our governance structures meet contemporary expectations of accountability, transparency, and stewardship.”

The Queensland Bishops have appointed the inaugural independent Board of Catholic Education Queensland Limited. The Bishops said the Non Executive Directors bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to Catholic education.

The CEQL Board is chaired by Madeline Brennan KC, whose leadership as Chair of QCEC was instrumental in guiding the transition to the new entity and ensuring continuity during the establishment phase.

The inaugural Board members are:
Patricia Alner, Director of Planning at Bond University and former Chair of the QCEC Audit and Risk Committee
Eloise Atkinson, architect and Chair of Brisbane Housing Company
Peter Chapman, Catholic education leader and governance consultant
Mick Gooda, advocate for First Nations justice and former Social Justice Commissioner
Alanna Jacoby, Chief of Mission at Mater Queensland
Tim McGrath, lawyer with extensive experience in the not for profit sector
John Mula OAM, long serving Catholic education leader and advocate
Carmel Nash OAM, Executive Director of Catholic School Parents Queensland

Mr Blagaich said the Board’s depth of experience would support strong governance while remaining grounded in the mission of Catholic education.

“The Board brings together expertise across education, law, finance, social justice, theology, and community leadership,” he said. “That breadth is critical as we continue our advocacy role and our responsibility to serve Catholic school communities across Queensland.”

CEQL will oversee accountability, compliance, and advocacy functions, while maintaining close engagement with Catholic School Authorities through the Catholic Education Leaders Committee. The company is governed by the independent Board and overseen by its members, including the Queensland Diocesan Bishops and representatives from Catholic Religious Australia, and the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons.

Mr Blagaich emphasised that the transition to the new entity has been designed to be seamless for schools, staff, and partners.

“All services and responsibilities continue without interruption,” he said. “Our role as Approved System Authority, Block Grant Authority, Capital Assistance Authority, and Non Government Representative Body remains unchanged. What has changed is the governance framework that supports this work into the future.”

All staff of the former Queensland Catholic Education Commission have transferred to Catholic Education Queensland Limited.

“This new chapter positions Catholic education in Queensland strongly for the years ahead,” Mr Blagaich said. “It allows us to continue our mission with clarity, integrity, and a renewed focus on serving students, families, and communities across the state.”