Queensland Catholic education’s peak body will take on a new form in 2026 to strengthen its governance and ensure continued accountability and transparency in its operations.
Following an extensive review, the Queensland Bishops have announced the formation of a company limited by guarantee to replace the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) from 1 January 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Bishops, Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge said the new company would have an independent board that would oversee the organisation’s accountability and compliance functions and guide its advocacy work.
“Governments and the broader public need to have confidence that organisations that receive significant amounts of government funding are meeting contemporary governance standards,” he said.
“The Commission has served us well for the last 50 years, but the legislative and regulatory climate of our times dictates the need for different structures that can respond to contemporary needs.”
Archbishop Coleridge said the voice of frontline education staff would be preserved through the new Catholic Education Leaders Council which will provide input directly to the board.
“In deciding a way forward, the Bishops were unanimous in wanting to preserve the uniqueness of each of our Catholic School Authorities, recognising Queensland’s diverse regions and supporting the continued excellence of Catholic education.”
The new company, to be known as Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL) will be established in the coming months.
All QCEC staff will transfer directly into the new entity which will serve both diocesan schools and those run by Religious Institutes and other church bodies.
Under the new structure, CEQL will continue all of QCEC’s core responsibilities. This includes its authority as the Approved System Authority, Block Grant Authority, and Capital Assistance Authority, along with its functions as both the Non-Government Representative Body and central governing body for kindergartens.
Archbishop Coleridge thanked all those who have served on the Commission since 1973.
“We have seen the most extraordinary array of talented education leaders, clergy, and, more recently, independent members from the law, academia and business, serving the Commission during its lifetime.
“As we enter this new phase, we are building on half a century of incredible achievement in Catholic education and setting ourselves up for an equally exceptional future.”
More reading: Catholic education: the integral development of the whole person
