The new NSW Labor Opposition Leader Jodi McKay has announced her shadow cabinet, which includes a number of changes relevant to adult and community education providers:
- Lakemba MP Jihad Dib (pictured), a former Sydney secondary school principal who had previously held the education role, picks up responsibility for skills and TAFE, youth, and juvenile justice.
- Londonderry MP Prue Car moves from the TAFE and skills portfolio to Shadow Education Minister.
- Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has become both Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Jobs
- Campbelltown MP Warren Gregg is Shadow Minister for Western Sydney.
- MLC Mick Veitch becomes Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade, Rural Affairs and Western NSW.
About Jihad Dib: Jihad Dib has been the principal of Punchbowl Boys’ High for 13 years. As principal, Jihad Dib opened Punchbowl Boys’ to the community and developed strong relationships with local organisations and government agencies. By bringing our community, families and their values into the heart of the school, he transformed its culture. Enrolments have doubled and educational outcomes have improved – and the school is opening opportunities for its students to reach their full potential. He continues this work as a board member of the Australia Day Council of NSW, the NSW Police Commissioner’s Advisory Panel and the SBS Community Advisory Committee.
Community Colleges Australia (CCA) Comment
“CCA welcomes Mr Dib to his new skills portfolio, and looks forward to working with him and his colleagues to ensure that the NSW adult and community education sector thrives and meets the education and training needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, as well as complementing skills offerings by TAFE and other providers,” said Dr Don Perlgut, CCA CEO.
