FORMER NSW Senator Fiona Nash has been named the country's first Regional Education Commissioner.
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The former Nationals Senator will be tasked with implementing findings from the Napthine Review into regional education and to tackle the disparity between city and country education.
Regional Education Senator Bridget McKenzie announced Ms Nash as the first commissioner last week and said she would be perfect for the role due to her strong understanding and passion for the education sector.
"Fiona has a deep love for regional Australia and a strong understanding of the education sector, and I know she will advocate fiercely on behalf of students who live and study in these areas," Ms McKenzie said.
"I know Fiona is committed to driving implementation of the recommendations from the Napthine Review, and will work to reduce the disparity between city and country students, particularly in relation to education participation and attainment."
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Among Ms Nash's responsibilities will be to investigate ways for regional students to get better outcomes post-school and champion the needs of regional students of all ages.
"The role of the Commissioner will bring a national focus and direction for regional and remote education and champion the educational needs of students in regional communities," Ms McKenzie said.
"This will include advocating for the improvement of education policies spanning early childhood education and care, schools, and tertiary education to better support regional, rural and remote students."
Ms Nash said she was eager to jump into the role after spending the past three years as the strategic advisor for regional engagement and government relations at Charles Sturt University, and as a director of the NSW Skills Board.
"The Napthine Review identified country Australians are less than half as likely to obtain a university degree by the age of 35, compared to those in our cities," she said.
"There are many factors that contribute to this gap, and I welcome the opportunity to work to ensure every Australian has the option to access and benefit from a high-quality education, regardless of where they live."
The Isolated Children's Parents Association (ICPA) Australia has welcomed the announcement, with ICPA president Alana Moller saying she was looking forward to working closely with Ms Nash.
"We are grateful to the federal government for recognising the need to address the unique needs of regional, rural, and remote education through initiatives such as this appointment," Ms Moller said.
"[This is] a valuable recognition of the need to address the inequities associated with educating geographically isolated children which ICPA has been drawing attention to for fifty years".
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