Nicholas Moore, former Chief Executive of Macquarie Group, has been appointed the new Chair of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC).
Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP, who heads the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, made the announcement on 11 February 2020.
“I am delighted Nicholas is joining the NCEC as its new Chair and have no doubt he will bring to the role exemplary leadership, integrity, drive and vision,” Archbishop Fisher stated.
More than one in five students attend Catholic schools across Australia, making Catholic Education the nation’s largest provider of education outside government.
Mr Moore, who will Chair the commission’s first meeting this week, said: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to support the education of 764,000 students in Catholic schools across the country at this important time”.
On behalf of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, Archbishop Fisher congratulated Mr Moore and pledge the Bishops’ support in one of their greatest tasks: the education of young people academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
“Nicholas has a sound understanding of the challenges facing education and will bring a new perspective and different skills and experience that I am sure will be challenging, and beneficial to Catholic education,” the Sydney Archbishop added.
Mr Moore was Chief Executive of Macquarie Group for a decade and retired from the investment banking company in November 2018. He is Chairman of Screen Australia, the Sydney Opera House Trust, The Centre for Independent Studies, The Smith Family and Willow Technology Corporation. He is a Member, and former Chair, of the University of NSW Business School Advisory Council, and the former Chair of the PCYC.
Archbishop Fisher also extended his appreciation to Greg Crafter AO, who had been NCEC Chair for the past seven years.
“Greg has given decades of service to the Church and Catholic Education, and we have benefitted greatly from his vast and varied experience, having been a South Australian MP, including eight years as Education Minister.
“During his time as Chair, Greg dealt with three Prime Ministers and their Cabinets and helped to secure long-term funding vital to the future of our Catholic schools. We wish Greg well in retirement,” Archbishop Fisher concluded.
NCEC Executive Director Jacinta Collins said she looked forward to working with Nicholas and the Commission.
“As the largest provider of schooling outside of government, Catholic education will benefit greatly from the extensive business and board experience Nicholas brings as our new Chair,” Ms Collins expressed.
“With the increasing complexity of educational governance and administration, he will bring a fresh perspective to our work in supporting our 1746 schools across Australia.”