Queensland’s education sector is at war over teacher pay, classroom safety and curriculum control – these are the 73 power players deciding every child’s future.
They control the future of an industry which in turn dictates the future of our children, but Queensland’s education industry is at war with itself, with battles raging about the curriculum as well as teacher pay and safety. These are the people setting the agenda.
POWER LISTS COMING THIS WEEK
FRIDAY – Sport
SATURDAY – Women
1. DAVID CRISAFULLI
Premier of Queensland
The Premier holds the whip hand over the state’s educational infrastructure and his administration has aggressively intervened in the sector’s governance. In a ruthless move, he ousted union heavyweights from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority board, replacing them with conservative figures. Pushing a strict “back to basics” agenda, he declared 2025 the Year of Reading. His overarching challenge is proving his hard line classroom behaviour policies and $44 million “Behavioural Boost” actually translate to better marks and happier teachers on the ground.
2. CRESTA RICHARDSON
President, Queensland Teachers’ Union
A fierce, unwavering voice for thousands of state school educators, Richardson is currently at war with the government. She was recently ousted from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority board in a targeted political manoeuvre by the LNP, but her grassroots power is more dangerous than ever. She led teachers into two unprecedented statewide strikes in 2025 – the first time in 30 years they’ve walked off the job twice in a year – furious over an 8 per cent pay offer amid extreme burnout. Her challenge is forcing the government to deliver serious safety reforms before the teacher shortage becomes catastrophic.
3. JOHN-PAUL LANGBROEK
Minister for Education and the Arts
Langbroek controls a record $21.9 billion education budget that dictates the survival and growth of the state’s schooling network. He recently launched the 2026 Premier’s Coding Challenge to foster tech talent and introduced legislation to slash red tape so teachers can actually teach. However, his biggest challenge is a brutal industrial war – he is currently battling a furious teachers’ union that launched unprecedented statewide strikes after rejecting 8 per cent pay offers.
4. SHARON SCHIMMING
Director-General, Department of Education
The bureaucratic commander of the state’s education system. Appointed to implement the government’s systemic reform agenda, Schimming provides strategic leadership for a massive workforce and recently executed a major realignment of the department’s central office. But her tenure is under pressure already. Schimming is facing severe pushback from the Queensland Teachers’ Union over looming staffing reductions in special schools, with the union formally warning her of risks to staff and student safety.
5. PROF DEBORAH TERRY
Vice-Chancellor & President, The University of Queensland
The leader of the state’s premier tertiary institution. Professor Terry’s influence was recently cemented with a massive contract extension through to 2029, a reward for navigating the university through a global pandemic and maintaining its elite global standing. She oversees a genuine academic powerhouse that produced a staggering 34 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers in 2025. Wielding national power as the Chair of the Group of Eight, her ongoing challenge is fighting for research funding in a fiercely competitive international market.
6. CHRISTOPHER MOUNTFORD
CEO, Independent Schools Queensland
The chief advocate for the state’s booming independent schooling sector. Mountford represents institutions educating over 152,000 students and recently scored a massive legislative victory, with the government introducing a bill to allow independent schools to deliver the Queensland Certificate of Education offshore. His challenge is securing enough land and private investment to keep up with the massive influx of interstate migration.
7. PROFESSOR MARGARET SHEIL
Vice-Chancellor & President, Queensland University of Technology
Professor Sheil has been the Vice-Chancellor of QUT since 2018 and holds immense influence as the Chair of the Queensland Vice-Chancellors Committee. Leading one of the state’s top universities, she champions curiosity, innovation and excellence in higher education. Her ongoing challenge is maintaining QUT’s research prestige while navigating the complex funding and policy landscapes of the tertiary sector.
8. MARK CAMPLING
Chair, Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority
A former regional director who also sits on the national ACECQA board, Campling was installed as QCAA Chair following the sudden resignation of Carol Nicoll and a highly controversial purge of union representatives from the board. He holds absolute power to shape what every Queensland student is taught and how their final ATAR scores are calculated. He must navigate the political fallout of his appointment while executing the government’s rigorous academic expectations. He also must restore faith in the QCAA after the embarrassing “Fail Caesar” controversy in last year’s Year 12 exams.
9. PROFESSOR CAROLYN EVANS
Vice-Chancellor & President, Griffith University
The trailblazing academic leader preparing for a massive career move. The first female Vice-Chancellor of Griffith University, Professor Evans recently reached a major milestone, leading a philanthropic campaign that successfully raised $125 million for scholarships and transformative research. However, she also dropped a bombshell announcement: she is leaving in August 2026 to take the top job at the University of Melbourne. Her final challenge at Griffith is ensuring institutional stability and maintaining the university’s aggressive upward trajectory while a global search for her successor takes place.
10. TIM RAWLINGS
CEO, TAFE Queensland
The new boss of the state’s largest vocational training provider. Poached from a partnership at Scyne Advisory, Rawlings recently took charge of an institution delivering over 420 programs to more than 140,000 students. He brings deep industry and government experience to align TAFE’s output with the Crisafulli Government’s economic plans. His leadership faces a trial by fire – he is the man tasked with solving Queensland’s severe, crippling trade and skills shortages ahead of the massive 2032 Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure build.
11. ROSS TARLINTON
Acting Executive Director, Brisbane Catholic Education
The steady hand steering the second-largest non-government employer in Queensland. Tarlinton was thrust into the ultimate leadership role in March 2026 following the sudden resignation of Dr Sally Towns for wellbeing reasons. Stewarding a massive network of 146 schools, almost 80,000 students and over 12,500 employees, he brings decades of experience from Marist Schools Australia.
12. DR ROS BAXTER
CEO, Goodstart Early Learning
The chief executive commanding the nation’s largest early learning provider. Operating on the philosophy of “more money, more mission,” Dr Baxter uses her 25 years of executive policy experience to advocate for early intervention. However, her sector is currently under intense public scrutiny. Amid a 2026 Senate inquiry into horrific sexual abuse scandals and safety concerns plaguing the broader childcare industry, Baxter has had to champion a new “see something, say something” culture to rebuild shattered public trust.
13. PROFESSOR SIMON BIGGS
Vice-Chancellor & President, James Cook University
The pre-eminent academic leader in northern Australia, ensuring JCU remains a global powerhouse in tropical research. Professor Biggs is currently splashing serious cash to future-proof his institution, launching the $10 million JCU Horizons Program to fund climate and spatial biology research, alongside a brand-new AI and data science centre (CADSI) launched in March 2026. Overseeing a massive budget, his challenge is fighting for sustainable foundational research funding while ensuring JCU’s high-tech output addresses the critical economic and environmental crises facing regional Queensland.
14. TANIA PORTER
Deputy Director-General, Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication
The communications mastermind and regulatory enforcer for the Department of Education. Porter holds immense power over the accreditation of non-state schools and oversees the rapidly growing home-education sector. She is also the architect behind the department’s massive communication apparatuses, dictating exactly how complex educational reforms and crisis responses are sold to millions of Queensland families.
15. NOEL PEARSON
Founder, Good to Great Schools Australia
One of the nation’s most respected Indigenous leaders, Pearson is relentless in his fight to revolutionise First Nations education. He continues to drive his controversial but highly impactful Direct Instruction models across remote Cape York communities, cementing a deal with the state government to run the Coen and Hopevale schools. Never one to shy away from a fight, he uses his intellectual gravity to publicly slam progressive teaching trends, arguing they abandon the Indigenous underclass.
16. DR JEANNETTE YOUNG
Governor of Queensland
The state’s highest constitutional authority and the ultimate role model for Queensland youth. While strictly non-political, Dr Young serves as the official patron for countless educational institutions. She frequently lends immense prestige to student leadership events. As the former Chief Health Officer who guided the state through the darkest days of the pandemic, her lifelong dedication to public service and evidence-based science sets an example of leadership and resilience for every student in the state.
17. PROFESSOR KERRIE WILSON
Queensland Chief Scientist
A highly decorated conservation scientist, Professor Wilson is currently spearheading the state’s deep dive into next-generation technology, chairing the newly established Quantum Innovation Queensland. Her strategic guidance ensures Queensland isn’t left behind in the global tech race. Her biggest challenge is taking mind-bending quantum physics and environmental sustainability concepts
18. DUNCAN ANSON
Chief Finance Officer, Department of Education
The financial mastermind managing the state’s colossal education budget. Providing crucial strategic advice to the Director-General, Anson is the man responsible for tracking every cent of the department’s staggering $14.044 billion controlled budget. He recently managed to deliver a $169.6 million operating surplus despite the incredibly complex fiscal reality of paying over 78,000 staff.
19. PROFESSOR PAUL MAZEROLLE
Vice-Chancellor & President, University of Southern Queensland
The newly appointed leader of UniSQ who has just crossed the globe to take the reins. Commencing in March after serving as President of the University of New Brunswick in Canada, the internationally recognised criminologist brings three decades of executive clout. He has hit the ground running, immediately setting an aggressive agenda to align UniSQ’s courses with severe regional workforce shortages.
20. WAYNE KNAPP
Chair, Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA)
The strategic overseer of four of Queensland’s most prestigious and heavily resourced independent schools: Brisbane Boys’ College, Somerville House, Clayfield College, and Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Appointed Chair in 2024, Knapp brings over 25 years of extensive governance, risk-management and leadership experience garnered from major not-for-profit boards including Wesley Hospital and PresCare.
21. JAMES POWER
Founder, St John Henry Newman College & QCAA Board Member
The powerful Queensland businessman and conservative lobbyist shaking up the education establishment. Recently appointed to the QCAA board in a controversial government shake-up that purged union bosses, Power brings a staunchly traditionalist perspective to the curriculum. He isn’t just talking about education; he’s building it. He recently launched St John Henry Newman College, a booming new independent Catholic school dedicated to the “classical, western tradition” that is already oversubscribed through to 2030.
22. ANTHONY MICALLEF
Headmaster, Brisbane Grammar School
The leader of the state’s most prestigious and academically rigorous independent boys’ school. Possessing over 33 years of dedicated service to BGS, Micallef recently celebrated the school winning the 5-Star Best Schools 2025 Award for its jaw-dropping STEAM Precinct, while his Year 12s raked in eight 99.95 ATAR scores. Blending elite academic expectations with a deeply collaborative style, his ongoing challenge is maintaining this dominance in the fiercely competitive GPS arena.
23. MITCHELL POTTS
Chief of Staff to the Minister for Education and the Arts
The unseen policy wonk executing John-Paul Langbroek’s political will. A highly strategic operator poached from the New South Wales government, Potts brings an economics background to the LNP’s education portfolio, strictly focusing on maximising cost-effectiveness. He is heavily involved in the granular details, overseeing massive capital works projects and navigating the complex fallout of the QTU strikes.
24. KATHLEEN FORRESTER
Deputy Director-General, Strategic Policy
The intellectual architect behind the Department of Education’s long-term policy formulation. Forrester navigates the incredibly complex, highly politicised terrain of federal-state negotiations. She recently played a critical role as Queensland entered the landmark Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, securing a commitment from the Commonwealth to fully fund state schools. Her strategic foresight is vital; her ongoing challenge is ensuring the sprawling state education system successfully adapts its national curriculum standards to meet future economic and societal demands.
25. JACINDA EULER WELSH
Principal, Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Leads the state’s pre-eminent independent girls’ school, renowned for producing outstanding academic results and fiercely independent thinkers. Currently executing a monumental physical and philosophical expansion, transitioning BGGS to educate Years 5 and 6 students for the first time in 2026. A highly decorated leader, receiving the prestigious Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education, her challenge is to integrating these younger cohorts into the school’s high-pressure environment without diluting the elite academic culture.
26. DI FARMER
Shadow Minister for Education and the Early Years
As the Member for Bulimba since 2015 and a former Minister for Child Safety, Youth, and
Women under the Palaszczuk government, Farmer uses her institutional knowledge to
relentlessly critique the Crisafulli Government’s conservative education agenda. Working in
alignment with furious unions, she is weaponizing the LNP’s 8 per cent pay offer.
27. PROFESSOR HELEN BARTLETT
Vice-Chancellor & President, University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Bartlett is overseeing a massive construction boom, recently opening three new buildings in a $100 million expansion at the Moreton Bay campus and launching an $11.5 million boost to clinical trials. She’s ripping up the traditional academic timetable, unveiling a radical 2026 plan that allows students to fast-track or pause their degrees to fit their lifestyles.
28. GREG PIERCE
Executive Principal, Brisbane State High School
The man at the helm of the most unique, high-pressure public school in Queensland. Pierce balances strict academic selectivity with sporting dominance across a sprawling, multi-campus operation in South Brisbane. Managing a massive cohort of 3600 students, his school consistently rivals the state’s most expensive private colleges in the ATAR race.
29. PHILLIP BROOKS
CEO, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP)
A titan of Indigenous policy who recently made a massive career pivot. After serving as the Deputy Director-General overseeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education outcomes, Brooks left the government bureaucracy in late 2025 to become the CEO of QATSICPP. Bringing over two decades of high-level government experience, his new challenge is advocating for community-led, culturally safe solutions to tackle the tragic over-representation of First Nations youth in the child protection and justice systems.
30. PROFESSOR TIM BRAILSFORD
Vice-Chancellor & President, Bond University
The longest-serving Vice-Chancellor in Bond University’s history and the king of the private tertiary sector. Professor Brailsford continues to dominate, with Bond cementing its status as the nation’s number one university for student experience for a 12th consecutive year. He fiercely protects his turf, recently pushing back hard against federal government proposals that ignore the vital role of private, non-profit institutions, arguing for relaxed HELP loan limits.
31. DR ALAN CAMPBELL
Headmaster, Anglican Church Grammar School
The strategic force behind one of Queensland’s most iconic and well-resourced GPS institutions. Dr Campbell is driving Churchie into the future, recently establishing an AI Standing Committee to safely integrate artificial intelligence into elite classrooms. He has also forged a unique month-long rural adventure partnership with Sydney’s Pymble Ladies’ College to boost resilience. His ongoing challenge is delivering a holistic educational philosophy that satisfies a passionate, demanding community that expects excellence on the rugby field and top-tier attainment in the classroom.
32. STACIE HANSEL
Deputy Director-General, State Schools Strategy
The operational commander driving strategic initiatives directly into the classrooms of the state’s 1266 public schools. Hansel is tasked with translating high-level government policy into practical, effective pedagogical practices that teachers can actually use. She leads the push for “Equity and Excellence,” desperately trying to position Queensland as a progressive, high-performing system. Her challenge is to ensure that future-focused learning isn’t just a buzzword, but a daily reality that lifts the performance of every single student.
33. LEESA JEFFCOAT
QCAA Board Member
A highly influential former diocesan director of Catholic Education in Rockhampton who has suddenly been thrust into the state’s curriculum wars. Jeffcoat was recently installed onto the QCAA board by the Crisafulli government in a ruthless political manoeuvre that ousted union representatives in favour of conservative educational voices. Bringing decades of rigorous, faith-based educational experience to the table, her immediate challenge is navigating the intense scrutiny of her appointment while leveraging her considerable expertise to help steer the state’s highest curriculum and assessment authority.
34. SCOTT THOMSON
Principal, Nudgee College
The newly minted 26th Principal of Nudgee College who brings immense passion to the historic Catholic boys’ school. Having worked his way up from a rural PE teacher in Dalby to the top job, Thomson is committed to authentic, faith-based character formation. While he fiercely defends the legendary “Nudgee Spirit” and the school’s fearsome GPS sporting legacy, his current mandate heavily emphasises teaching boys humility in victory and grace in defeat.
35. DARRIN BOND
Deputy Director-General, Digital Innovation
The chief technological architect dragging the Department of Education into the future. Bond leads the strategic integration of digital solutions across Queensland’s massive public school network. He recently secured a $187 million deal with Telstra to upgrade state school internet to 200 times its previous speed. With the explosion of artificial intelligence, he is the man responsible for figuring out how to safely adopt generative AI into classrooms without compromising cybersecurity.
36. DAMIEN FALL
Principal, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
The ultimate Terrace insider who finally claimed the top job. Stepping in as the school’s 31st Principal in January 2026 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to Edmund Rice schools, Fall is a deeply respected figure. He hit the ground running, immediately celebrating a coveted GPS Volleyball premiership in Term 1. Tasked with maintaining Terrace’s reputation as an academic powerhouse in Spring Hill, his core challenge is nurturing a culture of humility and service among the boys.
37. GARY AUSTEN
Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services
The vital administrative backbone for the entire Department of Education. Austen operates out of the spotlight but wields immense influence, overseeing human resources, finance, procurement and legal services. He manages the insanely complex operational logistics required to keep the state’s educational apparatuses functioning smoothly day in and day out.
38. SCOTT WISEMAN
Chief Executive Officer, P&Cs Qld
Leading the peak body for over 1200 P&C Associations, Wiseman represents the interests of more than 900,000 state school parents and community members. He drives powerful statewide initiatives, recently forging a major partnership with PCYC Queensland to deliver vital support programs and build safer, healthier communities for young people to thrive.
39. ANDREW HAWKINS
Headmaster, The Southport School
The deeply loyal leader of the premier Anglican boys’ boarding and day school on the Gold Coast. Having climbed the ranks from a PE teacher in 2004 to the top executive role, Hawkins understands TSS better than anyone. He is a fierce advocate for Indigenous education, recently celebrating 21 years of the school’s life-changing partnership with the Yalari program to support remote boarders.
40. ARCHBISHOP SHANE MACKINLAY
Archbishop of Brisbane
The ultimate spiritual and administrative authority over the massive Brisbane Catholic Education system. Archbishop Mackinlay recently blessed and installed the board of the newly formed peak body, Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL), issuing a stark reminder to keep students – not just policies and procedures – at the centre of their decision-making. While he delegates the daily operational management of 146 schools, he sets the overarching moral and ethical tone, recently rallying 80,000 students to launch Project Compassion for 2026.
41. ANDRE CASSON
Headmaster, Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)
The 10th Headmaster of BBC who is redefining modern boys’ education. Bringing a unique scientific lens to educational leadership (with a background in physics and a Harvard GMP), Casson is dismantling toxic stereotypes by championing “positive masculinity”. He mandated the “Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum” across all year levels from Prep to Year 12 to teach crucial concepts of consent and respectful relationships.
42. SAM O’CONNOR
Minister for Youth
The energetic voice within the Crisafulli Cabinet responsible for engaging Queensland’s younger demographic. O’Connor is determined to ensure that the perspectives of young people aren’t just an afterthought, actively championing their creative contributions outside the traditional classroom. His big political challenge is proving that the LNP government genuinely listens to and empowers the state’s next generation of voters.
43. LEANNE NIXON
Acting Deputy Director-General, School Operations
The frontline logistical leader ensuring the smooth, day-to-day survival of Queensland’s vast network of public schools. Nixon is a battle-hardened executive who manages regional performance, crisis response, and the rapid deployment of resources across the state. She is currently managing the fallout of a severe rural teacher shortage, rolling out aggressive regional housing incentives and $900 retention payments to keep classrooms staffed.
44. NICOLE GREGORY
Principal, The Lakes College
The award-winning educational powerhouse who has transformed Brisbane’s north. Gregory was recently honoured with the prestigious ACEL QLD Excellence in Educational Leadership Award for her visionary stewardship. Since taking the reins in 2021, she has orchestrated explosive growth, expanding enrolments to over 1160 students while delivering a massive new aquatic and performing arts precinct. Her challenge now is managing this rapid scale-up without losing the authentic care, student wellbeing and tight-knit faith formation that made the college so highly sought-after in the first place.
45. JEREMY GREAVES
Archbishop of Brisbane, Anglican Diocese of Brisbane
Installed as Archbishop in late 2023, Greaves is the ultimate spiritual leader of the Anglican Church in Queensland, setting the moral and ethical tone for the Diocese’s extensive educational network. Archbishop Greaves is passionate about ensuring the Church remains a respectful participant in public discourse and a welcoming space for the wider community.
46. PAT MURPHY
President, Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP)
The pre-eminent voice and protector for government primary school leaders across the state. With over 34 years in education ¬- including 29 as a school leader – Murphy leads QASSP with a mandate to protect principal wellbeing and amplify student voices. Awarded Life Membership in 2021, he is a powerful, highly vocal advocate against the imposition of “league tables” that pit schools against each other.
47. DR LYNNE DONELEY
Deputy Board Chair, Independent Schools Queensland
A seasoned educational governance expert wielding massive influence across the independent sector. As the Deputy Chair of ISQ and the Board Chair of the Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network, Dr Doneley provides critical strategic oversight for a booming sector that now accounts for 242 schools and over 152,000 students. She helps institutions navigate the increasingly complex and heavily politicised regulatory and funding challenges they face.
48. KIRSTEN FERDINANDS
President, Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association (QSPA)
A battle-hardened educational leader and the ultimate shield for secondary school autonomy. Ferdinands aggressively lobbies the government to ensure secondary principals are not drowned under bureaucratic demands. She recently launched a blistering critique against proposed amendments to the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, explicitly fighting the expansion of cumulative suspension appeal rights.
49. SAMANTHA JENSEN
Principal, Mount Alvernia College
Recently named on The Educator’s “Hot List” for 2025, Jensen has led Mount Alvernia through a five-year journey of rapid improvement, dramatically raising the college’s median ATAR from 82.70 to an impressive 91.85. She drives a culture of high expectations blended with environmental consciousness and Franciscan values. As the Kedron-based Catholic girls’ college approaches its 70th anniversary, her challenge is sustaining this elite academic trajectory while keeping student wellbeing and community engagement front and centre.
50. PAUL EASTON
Principal, St Joseph’s College, Upper Coomera
The experienced educational leader tasked with building a legacy on the Gold Coast. Transitioning from a senior role at Brisbane Catholic Education, Easton took the reins at the rapidly growing St Joseph’s College in 2026. He brings a deep commitment to elevating student voice and a passionate, holistic approach to Catholic education. Leading a relatively new institution in a booming demographic corridor, his challenge is to aggressively establish a strong community foundation and fiercely competitive academic culture to cement the school’s reputation in a crowded market.
51. LUKE TWYFORD
Principal Commissioner & Chief Executive, Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC)
The ultimate regulatory authority over child safety in Queensland. Reappointed for a new three-year term in 2025, Twyford commands the Child Death Review Board and possesses over 20 years of high-level child safety reform experience across multiple jurisdictions. Was personally selected to lead the Crisafulli Government’s 100-Day Plan inquiry into the catastrophic failures of the Blue Card Child Protection system following the horrific Ashley Paul Griffith abuse scandal.
52. KATE RUTTIMAN
General Secretary, Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU)
The first female General Secretary in the QTU’s 137-year history, Ruttiman is the chief industrial strategist behind the union’s aggressive enterprise bargaining campaigns. Elected to the top job in 2021 after serving as Deputy General Secretary since 2010, the former economics and English teacher has been at the forefront of industrial warfare against the Crisafulli Government. Navigating an unprecedented period of strike action, her leadership relies on maintaining absolute grassroots solidarity.
53. AMANDA WATT
Executive Officer, Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network (QIS Parents Network)
The advocate officially representing the families of more than 158,000 students enrolled in Queensland’s 239 independent schools. Watt actively drives systemic improvements in parental engagement – in 2026, she wielded her lobbying power regarding the Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, demanding that the independence of the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB) be protected.
54. DR PHILLIP MOULDS
Headmaster, The Rockhampton Grammar School & Board Chair, Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ)
An Order of Australia Medal recipient for his extensive services to secondary education, Dr Moulds is a long-serving Headmaster (since 2009) and the Chair of the ISQ Board of Directors. Utilizing his background as a Harvard lecturer in data-informed learning, he uses his influence to attack the federal Direct Measure of Income (DMI) funding model.
55. DR JOHN KINNIBURGH
Headmaster, Toowoomba Grammar School
Appointed in 2021, Dr Kinniburgh is overseeing the conclusion of the historic school’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, which has delivered contemporary learning spaces and enhanced boarding facilities. His overarching philosophy prioritises character development (“Fidelis in Omnibus”), ensuring boys graduate with resilience, emotional intelligence and lifelong wellbeing.
56. SCOTT STANFORD
President, Teachers’ Professional Association of Queensland (TPAQ)
A proactive advocate with over 20 years of experience in education, Stanford leads the Red Union-affiliated TPAQ. He is a vocal critic of bureaucratic overload, demanding systemic reform to reduce paperwork and empower local school communities. Stanford frequently comments on critical frontline issues, recently highlighting how occupational violence is driving teachers out of the profession.
57. CONNOR BARRETT
Principal, Townsville Grammar School
Recently stepping up to the main role after serving as Deputy Principal since 2020, Barrett is the steady hand guiding Townsville Grammar School. Known for his empathy, he has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening the school’s core values.
58. DR ADAM FORSYTH
Headmaster, Ipswich Grammar School
A proud Old Boy, Dr Forsyth serves as the 17th Headmaster of Queensland’s oldest secondary school. Emphasising core values of belonging, resilience and honour, he provides energising leadership for the historic institution. He is currently driving major infrastructure expansions, overseeing the completion of classroom refurbishments and preparing for the construction of a massive new 150-bed boarding facility.
59. KYLE THOMPSON
Principal, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
Thompson was appointed to build a refreshed, professional and values-based leadership team at Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School. Leading the historic 135-year-old independent school, he is focused on encouraging student individuality and restoring community confidence.
60. KARA KREHLIK
Principal, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
Krehlik leads the premier Prep to Year 12 boarding school for girls in Central Queensland. Valuing the connections and camaraderie inherent in rural school communities, she fosters a highly supportive environment where every girl is known and valued. Her pedagogical focus is on nurturing influential young women who can contribute confidently to a diverse society.
61. GANA AHMED
Queensland Branch President, National Union of Students
As the state leader for the NUS, Ahmed is a fierce advocate for tertiary students across Queensland. She wields significant grassroots power, capable of mobilising the student body on critical issues regarding university funding, student welfare and campus politics.
62. MATILDA ALEXANDER
Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion
A passionate human rights lawyer, Alexander leads QAI in advocating for vulnerable people with disability. She recently issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Government’s NDIS Bill, criticising the lack of genuine consultation and fighting to protect essential independent disability advocacy services.
63. TOM ALLSOP
Chief Executive Officer, Canopy Early Education
Bringing extensive high-level experience from PeakCare Queensland, Allsop recently took the reins at Canopy Early Education. He is leading the transformation of member services for the century-old not-for-profit organisation. Known for his collaborative leadership style, his mandate is to uphold stringent child safety standards and drive continuous improvement.
64. CHRIS IVEY
Principal, Somerset College
A highly experienced educational leader currently in his third principalship, Ivey is shaping the future of Somerset College. As the school finalises its new 5-to-10-year Strategic Plan, he has mandated a focus on foundational learning. Believing that literacy and numeracy are paramount, he recently appointed a full-time Numeracy Coach for 2026 to elevate the school’s academic framework.
65. PAUL MILES
Managing Director, The BUSY Group
Miles leads an organisation dedicated to overcoming barriers through targeted employment and education programs. Under his agile leadership, The BUSY Group has continuously expanded its footprint, adapting programs to new realities and delivering massive social impact at scale. He is a vital player in providing alternative educational pathways and crucial vocational training across the state.
66. WENDY HENNING
President, Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Qld
Henning is an unrelenting advocate for rural and remote families, fighting to ensure equitable access to education regardless of geography. She lobbies the government on critical logistical and administrative issues, including pushing for the streamlining of Blue Card processing delays that severely hamper the staffing capabilities of small outback schools.
67. CHRIS VERAA
Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
Veraa oversees the critical ATAR distribution and university admissions process for tens of thousands of Queensland Year 12 graduates. He commands vital data regarding the state’s future workforce pipeline. In early 2026, he highlighted a significant 24 per cent increase in Education course offers, a crucial trend for addressing severe teacher shortages in Queensland schools.
68. TERRY BURKE
Branch Secretary, Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU-QNT)
Burke has led the IEU-QNT since 1995, wielding massive industrial power in the state’s booming non-government schooling sector. Under his leadership, the union is driving fierce collective bargaining campaigns to secure fair pay that addresses cost-of-living pressures and to force meaningful interventions into workload intensification.
69. CATHERINE O’KANE
Principal, All Hallows’ School
The esteemed leader of Queensland’s oldest surviving secondary school, established in 1861. Serving as Principal since 2014, O’Kane guides her massive student cohort of over 1500 through the prism of traditional Sisters of Mercy values, fostering resilience and academic excellence. Her influence formally transcended national borders in 2025 when she was appointed to the Governing Board of Directors of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) for a three-year term.
70. RICKIE FISHER
Educator, Central Queensland University
Fisher snagged the prestigious 2025 TeachX Award for Excellence in Teacher Education after pioneering Queensland’s very first fully online postgraduate teaching program. By blending digital pedagogy with practice-based learning, his innovative program drastically expands access for aspiring teachers living in remote and regional communities. With rural schools screaming out for staff, he now must scale this model to provide a crucial, practical solution to the severe teacher shortages plaguing outback Queensland.
71. DANIEL WALKER
Principal, Canterbury College
The man who has transformed the Logan growth corridor’s premier independent school into an academic powerhouse. Since taking the reins as the fifth Principal in 2019, Walker has orchestrated a remarkable institutional ascent, culminating in the Class of 2025 delivering a median ATAR of 91.40—results that directly rival the state’s most elite, heavily resourced inner-city GPS institutions. Walker is currently executing a 20-year campus master plan to accommodate explosive demographic growth.
72. CATRIONA VO
Educator, Groves Christian College
The brilliant young educator representing the future of the profession. Crowned the FACTS Management Australia Education Rising Star of the Year in 2025, Vo is making massive waves at Groves Christian College. She embodies the passionate, innovative and highly skilled next generation of Queensland teaching professionals. Unbound by legacy methods, her award-winning pedagogy brings fresh energy and highly effective modern teaching methodologies to the classroom.
73. DORIS WEI
Student, Mansfield State High School
The undisputed smartest kid in the state. Wei obliterated the competition to take out the state’s highest honour — the Outstanding Academic Achiever award for the Class of 2025 — after scoring a perfect 99.95 ATAR. Judged as history-making for her exceptional accomplishments across a staggering breadth of subjects, she proves that the public system can produce academic titans. Heading to UQ to tackle a dual degree in Engineering and Mathematics, she is a brilliant young mind destined to dominate the future of research and tech.
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HOW DID WE DETERMINE THE LISTS?
The Courier-Mail power lists were compiled by engaging our specialist journalists – the experts in their fields – to nominate candidates based not just on their position and achievements but also the influence they wield, the energy they bring to that task and their access to capital, as well as their potential. The provisional lists were then privately shared with industry insiders and were refined based on their advice.