After more than two decades in Federal Parliament and seven transformative years as Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), Jacinta Collins will retire in 2026, leaving an indelible mark on Australian education.
Collins, widely lauded as a trailblazer for women in politics and educational leadership, was also a prominent voice in the Gonski school education reforms and a strong supporter of funding for all schools.
Since Collins began her 7-year tenure as the executive director of NCEC, education has changed rapidly across the country, with an increased focus on lifting student achievement, the quality of teaching, digital learning, and addressing complex wellbeing issues for school staff, students and their families.
As she prepares to step away from her role, Collins is taking stock of the pivotal moments that have shaped her time at the NCEC. From navigating heated funding debates to steering schools through the turbulence of a global pandemic, her leadership has been tested in ways few could have anticipated.
Against this backdrop, she recently spoke with The Educator about the milestones, challenges, and enduring priorities that continue to define Catholic education today.
TE: Looking back on your tenure as Executive Director of the NCEC, what key moments and/or achievements stand out as most significant in shaping Catholic education nationally?
I have had a rich and fulfilling career and have loved my time with the NCEC. When I left political life to lead the organisation, I admit I thought it might be a lighter pace, but I could not have been more wrong. Taking on the role at the height of a funding debate was a significant challenge, and the stability that emerged from those negotiations is something I am proud to have helped achieve. Similarly, our work with state and territory leaders and governments around protecting religious freedom has been an important contribution to maintaining the integrity of faith-based schools.
For me, the way our schools, systems, and families navigated the COVID pandemic demonstrated remarkable resilience and a steadfast commitment to the value of education. While it may seem counterintuitive to highlight the pandemic, leading our national response to that crisis was one of the moments I am most proud of.
Beyond political advocacy, several key moments stand out—unsurprisingly, many of them involve students. The celebration of 200 years of Catholic education in Australia was an incredible experience, showcasing not only the breadth and diversity of our sector but also the pride that students and teachers have in their schools.
TE: You began your tenure at the NCEC in 2019 during a fierce school funding debate and helped secure relative stability in school funding. How do you reflect on those negotiations and their impact today in 2025?
Funding should never be taken for granted, and we are enormously grateful for a system of government support that gives parents the right to choose the school that is right for their family.
What is disconcerting, however, is the “privilege” narrative that sometimes permeates discussions about non-government school funding, which overlooks the fact that the majority of these schools are low-fee and that the funding model adjusts the school resource standard according to families’ capacity to contribute. Forty-two percent of students in Catholic schools are funded for socio-educational disadvantage, and 38% of schools are located in regional, remote, or rural areas, often serving as the only option in their communities.
Catholic school families contribute nearly 26% of the annual cost of their child’s education and almost 90% of the funding required for school buildings and capital works. In 2022 alone, they contributed approximately $4.2 billion, representing a substantial saving to Australian taxpayers.
Reflecting on the funding negotiations I have been part of, I am struck that divisive commentary is unhelpful and can hinder government support, as well as the broader goal of maintaining an education system that is equitable, accessible, and promotes genuine choice for families.
TE: During your leadership, Catholic education has faced major challenges, including teacher workforce shortages, education reforms, the youth mental health crisis, and now the rise of AI. Which of these challenges do you believe will define the sector’s future the most, and why?
The workforce shortage is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges facing education across all sectors. Excellence in education depends on high-quality teachers who are respected as professionals, paid appropriately, and supported in managing the workload they carry. While ongoing discussions about enhanced learning outcomes and evidence-based practice are important, they cannot be achieved without a workforce that is valued, celebrated, and equipped to handle the increasingly complex social, emotional, and behavioural issues that students and parents face today. With great teachers in place, all other challenges in education become far more manageable.
TE: As you prepare for retirement in 2026, what legacy do you hope to leave at the NCEC, and what is your vision for Catholic education in Australia over the next 5-10 years?
Legacy implies a singular contribution, but nothing I have achieved in education has been without the support of my team and colleagues. Education is inherently collaborative, and I have loved working alongside some of the most talented and passionate people in the sector to improve the schools and systems that provide opportunities for our students and their families.
Looking ahead, my hope for Catholic education over the next five to ten years is focused on equity and access. I envision a system where every student can receive an excellent education, regardless of where they live or their family’s financial means. A system that ends the “lesson lottery,” ensuring quality curriculum materials and pedagogical practices are available to all. Finally, a system where faith practice is both protected and accessible, allowing everyone to participate in what makes Catholic communities so special.