Peter Browne appointed Education Services Department's CEO

27/10/97

Mr Peter Browne, a well-known and respected member of Western Australia's education sector, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Department of Education Services.

Education Minister Colin Barnett announced today that Mr Browne had been appointed for five years.

The Department of Education Services (DES) was established in 1996 and consists of the Office of Higher Education; the Office of Country High School Hostels Authority; the Education Act Review team; the Office of Education Policy and Co-ordination; and the Office of Non-Government and International Education.

Mr Barnett said Mr Browne had a wealth of education experience in both the metropolitan and country areas of WA and since 1996, had been acting chief executive officer of the DES.

"Peter's contribution to education in WA extends more than 30 years and includes experience as a primary and secondary teacher, management roles in agricultural schools and colleges around the State, work as a district superintendent and executive director for the Education Department and in policy co-ordination and advice," Mr Barnett said.

"As head of the Department of Education Services, Peter's responsibilities include liaison and consultation with a variety of Government and non-Government organisations, and community groups with an interest in education in the State.

"His role is very far-reaching and I every confidence Peter will fulfill the duties of his position well."

Mr Barnett said the Department of Education Services would remain crucial to developing and implementing initiatives across all education sectors. Recently, this had included the co-ordination of a strategic plan for higher education in WA, the establishment of the Curtin University Kalgoorlie Campus and the Esperance Community College.

"Some of the far-reaching initiatives announced in the past year, such as the proposed School Education Bill 1997, are relevant to all students in all schools," the Minister said.

"The DES assists in co-ordinating information and gaining feedback from the non-Government groups involved, so the final product is representative of the views of the entire WA education sector."

Media contacts: Justine Whittome, Office of the Minister for Education, (08) 9222 9699

Peter Browne, Department of Education Services, (08) 9321 6800