Governance FAQs

The Queensland Bishops initiated a review to ensure Catholic education governance meets modern standards and legislative requirements, particularly around accountability, transparency, and compliance.

The review identified several critical needs:

• Maintaining unified voice for Catholic Education in Queensland while enabling multiple stakeholder perspectives
• Addressing increasing regulatory complexity and compliance requirements
• Strengthening governance oversight while preserving local autonomy
• Enhancing transparency and accountability in financial management
• Meeting contemporary compliance requirements for public funding
• Recognition of Queensland’s unique geographical nature and regional communities
• Strong value placed on QCEC’s current services and support

Queensland Catholic Education Commission (from being part of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Queensland) will transition to Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL), a company limited by guarantee, with:

• Membership comprising the five Queensland Bishops, Catholic Religious Australia and Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons representatives
• A skills-based board of 4-9 independent directors
• Catholic Education Leaders Committee as a key consultative forum

The transition was completed om 1 January 2026.

The CEQL model was chosen to maintain the unified Catholic voice in education while preserving local autonomy. This structure allows us to continue leveraging our collective strength in advocacy, maintain efficient resource sharing, and ensure consistent Catholic identity across Queensland. The model also enables us to meet increasing regulatory requirements more effectively while reducing administrative duplication across individual authorities.

Yes. CEQL continues all of QCEC’s core responsibilities, including its role as:

• Approved System Authority
• Block Grant Authority
• Capital Assistance Authority
• Non-Government Representative Body
• Central Governing Body for kindergartens

Key transition milestones include:

• February-June 2025: Detailed implementation planning and stakeholder consultation
• 30 June 2025:  Commission format concluded
• July-December 2025: Interim Commission while new Board was appointed and new structures established
• January 2026: CEQL became fully operational

No. The transition to CEQL will not affect Catholic School Authorities’ status with the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB). All current accreditation arrangements will continue unchanged, and CEQL is maintaining all necessary registrations and approvals previously held by QCEC. This includes our role as an Approved System Authority.

• 4-9 independent directors, including chair
• Skills-based composition
• Clear separation between governance and operations
• Read about the current Board and CEQL leadership team here

The Board represents a shift to:

• Independent directors based on skills and expertise
• Enhanced strategic oversight
• Strengthened risk management
• Clear accountability frameworks

The members select the Board directors following a selection process aligned to a skills matrix.

• The Bishops and others act as members (shareholders of the company) and maintain responsibility
• There is clear separation between ownership (Bishops as five of the seven members) and governance (Board)
• Professional board provides enhanced governance oversight
• Reduced exposure to operational risks for Bishops

As members of CEQL, the Bishops and other members will retain responsibility through several key mechanisms:

• Approve changes to constitution
• Reserve powers for fundamental decisions affecting Catholic identity and mission
• Regular formal reporting from the Board
• Approval rights for strategic plans and major initiatives
• Annual accountability meetings with the Board
• Power to appoint and remove directors
• Board appoints the CEO, with members endorsement (to be finalised)
• Set delegations and financial limitations for board and company

These mechanisms ensure proper oversight while maintaining the operational independence of the Board.

A key consultative forum that will:

• Include Diocesan Education Directors, RI/MPJP representatives, and a Catholic School Parents Queensland representative
• Provide strategic advice to the CEQ Board
• Ensure stakeholder perspectives are heard
• Maintain “Many voices in, one voice out” for Catholic Education in Queensland
• Hold regular meetings

The Council will:

• Provide expert advice to the Board
• Have clear pathways for providing input
• Maintain structured engagement processes

The Council will always include Diocesan Directors, RI/MPJP representatives, and a Catholic School Parents Queensland representative. Other representatives and terms of reference will be determined by the Board during the implementation planning phase.

Catholic School Authorities will:

• Maintain their current autonomy in school operations
• Have updated agreements with CEQ to meet contemporary governance requirements
• Continue accessing services and support
• Work within strengthened accountability frameworks as required by the Federal Government

Financial arrangements, including any changes to current fee structures, will be determined by the Board through stakeholder consultation during the implementation phase.

• Local governance structures remain in place
• Regular structured engagement with CEQL Board through formal channels
• Maintained autonomy in local decision-making
• Clear pathways for escalating governance matters

No. The changes are primarily at the governance level above schools. Day-to-day school operations will continue as normal with continued access to current services.

No. The changes are focused on governance at the CEQL level.

No changes to current school practices are required from this change. Schools will continue operating within existing frameworks.

No. The changes are primarily at the governance level above schools. Day-to-day school operations will continue as normal with continued access to current services.

No. The changes are focused on governance at the CEQL level.

No changes to current kindergarten practices are required from this change. Kindergartens will continue operating within existing frameworks.

Yes. All previous QCEC services and support continues with CEQL.

This will be determined by the Board.

Through:

• Maintained local decision-making
• Recognition of Queensland’s unique geographical nature
• Oversight by the local Bishops of their Diocese