Our structure
As at 30 June
View the
organisational structure (PDF, 92KB).
Our divisions
Office of Industrial Relations
The Office of Industrial Relations is responsible for regulatory frameworks, policy advice and compliance activities for workplace safety, electrical safety, industrial relations and workers' compensation—to make Queensland workplaces safer, fairer and more productive.
Policy, Performance and Planning
Policy, Performance and Planning drives strategic direction across the department, from early childhood to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. The division has oversight of grants, supports statutory bodies, delivers education-related strategic policy and intergovernmental relations functions, coordinates major internal and external research and reviews, and leads the development of the portfolio's legislative instruments, performance monitoring and reporting functions, governance, risk and planning.
State Schools
State Schools supports the work of 1,241 Queensland state schools, preparing young Queenslanders with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to live fulfilling, productive and responsible lives. State Schools supports regional and school planning, improvement and operations to ensure that every student has access to quality learning opportunities and engages purposefully in their learning.
Early Childhood and Community Engagement
Early Childhood and Community Engagement (ECCE) is focused on every child making a confident and positive start. ECCE supports the delivery of early childhood education and care services, and provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of policy, funding and regulatory frameworks that shape the early childhood education and care sector in Queensland.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services supports the work of business units and schools by delivering high-quality services across corporate procurement, finance, human resources, information technologies and infrastructure services functions.
Our governance
Our Executive Management Board
The Executive Management Board consists of the Director-General and representatives of each division.
Tony Cook PSM
Director-General
Tony began his career in Queensland and is a registered primary school teacher with a focus on early childhood education. Prior to joining the department in April 2018, Tony was the Associate Secretary for Schools and Youth with the Australian Government's Department of Education and Training.
In October 2013, Tony was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and in January 2014, he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for driving school policy and funding reform in Australia.
Craig Allen
Deputy Director-General, Office of Industrial Relations
Craig has held senior management positions for more than 22 years, with a government career spanning more than 39 years. Craig has a strong commitment to leading strategy that improves employee engagement, organisational performance and service delivery. Craig is strongly committed to implementing the Best Practice Review recommendations and delivering on the Office of Industrial Relations' vision for healthy, safe, fair and productive workplaces and communities.
Craig has a Bachelor of Education from the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education and post-graduate qualifications in public administration from Flinders University.
Annette Whitehead
Deputy Director-General, Policy, Performance and Planning
As Deputy Director-General, Policy, Performance and Planning, Annette is responsible for driving a strategic approach to policy development across early childhood, schooling and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, at a state and national level.
Annette has extensive experience in developing and driving social policy initiatives, planning, program development and legislative reform in the public sector, non-government and private sectors, including in ageing, disability, child care and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Peter Kelly PSM
Deputy Director-General, State Schools
As Deputy Director-General of State Schools, Peter is responsible for providing strategic leadership to Queensland state schools. Peter is committed to helping every child succeed in a safe, supportive environment and brings a thorough knowledge of the day-to-day operations of Queensland state schools based on his 30 years of education experience.
Most recently, Peter held the position of Regional Director—North Queensland, where he worked with 110 schools and 250+ early childhood education and care services across the region.
Sharon Schimming
Deputy Director-General, Early Childhood and Community Engagement
As a long-serving educator, including over 20 years in principal positions and as a Regional Director, Sharon has worked with a range of communities across Queensland. Sharon is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the innovation policy, funding and regulatory frameworks for the early childhood sector.
Jeff Hunt
Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services
Jeff is a former preschool and primary school teacher and principal, with almost 30 years' experience in the department. Prior to his current appointment, Jeff's roles have included Assistant Director-General, Corporate Strategy and Performance, Executive Director, Performance Monitoring and Reporting; and Director, Workforce Modelling and Resourcing.
Leanne Wright
Regional Director
Leanne has over 20 years' experience in public education as a teacher, school leader and policy-maker. Skilled in educational leadership, strategic planning and change management, Leanne previously led policy development and implementation for curriculum and pedagogy, early childhood education and vocational education in Australian Capital Territory public schools. Leanne is committed to evidence-based practices that support highly effective teaching and improved student outcomes.
Duncan Anson
Assistant Director-General, Finance and Chief Finance Officer
Duncan served as the Chief Finance Officer in two other Queensland Government departments prior to joining the Department of Education. Duncan is a Fellow of CPA Australia and Chair of the Queensland Public Sector Committee.
View our list of governance committees (PDF, 220KB).