Organisational structure and corporate governance

Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM (GAICD) is Chairperson of the ACFE Board.

She has extensive experience as a former academic and researcher in the fields of education, leadership, inclusion and equity. She is the Director of Intersect Global Partners and continues to be an active community advocate. Dr De Fazio is a former commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She has a strong research and publications profile that reflects her interests in areas such as inclusive educational and leadership practices, curriculum development and student retention.

She brings to the board a strong board directorship profile, including experience on the boards of Zoos Victoria and Multicultural Arts Victoria. She has extensive experience in governance and strategic development.

Her own lived and professional experiences have fostered her strong passion for ensuring equitable and high-quality educational opportunities are accessible to all.

Mr John Maddock AM, Deputy Chairperson, has extensive governance and senior executive leadership experience in the tertiary and adult education sectors, including as former CEO of Box Hill Institute, the Gordon Institute of TAFE and the Centre for Adult Education. His governance experience as a non-executive director in the education sector includes serving on the boards of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, Deakin University Council, Monash University Faculty of Education, Innovation and Business Skills Australia, Australian Training Products and eCoach. He also served as a member of the Victoria Polytechnic Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee at Victoria University.

Mr Maddock is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a non-executive director of the TasTAFE Board, Chair of the TasTAFE Audit and Risk Management Committee and Chairperson of the Melbourne Central Basketball Association Board.

Mr Maddock represented Australia in basketball at the Olympics and has played in 2 world championships. Following his playing career, he served as Chairperson of Basketball Victoria, Chairperson of Basketball Australia and Deputy Chairperson of FIBA International Competitions Committee. He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for volunteer services at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In 2013, Mr Maddock was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to VET, and basketball.

Dr Anne Astin AM PSM (member from 1 November 2024) has over 30 years of experience in public service and public sector governance, policy development, executive leadership, operations and issues management in Victoria.

She was CEO of Dairy Food Safety Victoria and has held senior executive positions in diverse sectors. Dr Astin was also a director of Wellsprings for Women, a Learn Local provider, and a director and Chair of William Angliss Institute for a decade, in which time the institute achieved a 90% employment rate for its students.

Dr Astin holds qualifications in biochemistry, chemistry and public sector management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In 2010, Dr Astin was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll and in 2011 she was awarded the Public Service Medal. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020.

Ms Kate Gaffney has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education and adult education, specialising in criminology and pathways programs. She transitioned into investment banking and advisory services, focusing on sustainable solutions for environmental, economic and social challenges.

From November 2023 to November 2024, Ms Gaffney was seconded to Federation University Australia as Manager of Renewable Energy Transition. There she was a member of the university’s Gippsland Energy Industry Advisory Group and the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (Gippsland) Steering Committee. She was also Chair of the Clean Energy Council’s nationwide University and Industry Working Group.

Ms Gaffney then returned to her work with Tennant Burnet Corporate Advisory, where in March 2023 she commenced at its funds management business, Axletree Capital, as Director of Partnerships, Engagement and Research. Previously, Ms Gaffney served on the Gippsland Regional Council of ACFE and was a non-executive director (cadet) with Community College Gippsland.

Ms Gaffney’s dynamic career trajectory reflects her ability to excel in demanding and competitive environments, showcasing her adaptability and acumen.

Ms Gaffney is also the proud owner of a sustainable farming business based in West Gippsland, where she was born. Her commitment to sustainable practices aligns with her broader vision of advancing the interests of regional and rural communities. A fervent advocate for enhanced access to educational opportunities, Ms Gaffney recognises the profound impact of education in elevating the wellbeing and prospects of people in regional areas.

Mr Michael Grogan is the State Director of the Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian branches of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre. Previously CEO of Sutton Tools Pty Ltd, Mr Grogan sits on the board of Manufacturing Skills Australia and is a Director of DMTC (formerly Defence Materials Technology Centre). He chairs the William Ruthven Secondary College School Council and is a board member of Melbourne Polytechnic.

Ms Margaret Lewis has wide-ranging experience on community boards and committees. Ms Lewis is currently the Chairperson of Remembrance Parks Central Victoria and a board member of Dhelkaya Health (formerly Castlemaine Health) and Planning for Sustainable Animal Industries Implementation Reference Group. She is also a board member of other non-government bodies and committees.

A teacher for 25 years and a principal for 18 years in the Loddon Mallee region, Ms Lewis has extensive experience as an educator. She was on the board of the Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network for more than 20 years and was its deputy chair for many years before retiring in May 2022.

Ms Kathryn Munro (GAICD) (member from 1 November 2024) has over 30 years’ experience in finance, accounting, business partnering and engagement with key financial compliance and commercial stakeholders. Ms Munro has had previous executive roles, including as CFO, in domestic and international organisations. Her governance roles have included director and Finance Committee Chairperson of Latrobe Regional Health, Vice-Chairperson of Mallee Track Health and Community Service, and various finance and audit and risk committee roles.

Ms Munro is skilled in building robust governance structures and oversight of business transformation including mergers and acquisitions, major capital builds and significant IT projects.

She holds a Master of International Business from Melbourne University and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University. She is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of CPA Australia.

Ms Natasha Ngweso has a strong background in financial and management accounting and leadership. Ms Ngweso holds an MBA from Monash Business School and currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of the board’s Finance Committee. From 2012 to 2016, she worked in management, accountancy and recruitment roles for Woodside Energy Limited, engaging with members of the Timor-Leste Development Program and developing working relationships with local universities to support graduate recruitment.

Ms Ngweso was Chairperson of Women of Woodside, a community organisation that drives diversity and inclusion. From 2017 to 2021, she held the role of Executive Manager of Store Operations at Aldi, Western Australia.

Mr Ekrem Ozyurek OAM (member to 20 December 2024) has more than 30 years’ experience in primary and secondary education, including as a principal. He was principal of East Preston Islamic College for 14 years, and before then a founding principal of Mt Hira College.

Mr Ozyurek’s experience and expertise extend to community and cultural development in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, specifically Turkish and Islamic communities, with a focus on education and community engagement. In 2010, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Turkish community of Victoria, and education. He is currently a director of the Yunus Emre Institute. Mr Ozyurek also served as the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Islamic Coordinating Council of Victoria from 2002 to 2020.

Dr Colleen Pearce AM (member from 1 January 2025) is a proud Yuin woman and an experienced strategic leader in government, health and charitable sectors. Dr Pearce is an innovative leader committed to driving reform and cultural change. She has worked with boards associated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with community and health services for vulnerable people.

Dr Pearce was the Victorian Public Advocate, a statutory appointed role that she held for 17 years. She had a broad range of responsibilities including guardian of last resort for adults with disabilities and medical decision-maker of last resort.

She holds qualifications in humanities, education, health service management, business and health administration, and has been awarded an honorary doctorate from RMIT University for outstanding contribution to human rights and people with disability.

She was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001, and in 2016 was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll. In 2020, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Ms Ann Maree Playfair has 4 decades of experience in marketing, project management and the development of community-based programs across regional Victoria. She has held various consultancy roles in the areas of business partnerships and sponsorship development.

Ms Playfair’s contribution to the board is enriched by her 14 years’ experience in vocational teaching, working directly to foster people’s growth and development. She has taught at both university and TAFE levels, with positions at Mansfield Adult Community Education, Jesuit Community College/Job Providers and Australian Employment Training Solutions/Job Providers.

She has volunteered for 3 decades with community-based organisations, serving variously as chair, board member or committee member. Ms Playfair has delivered training at Learn Locals throughout the Hume regional area, with responsibilities extending to managing Learn Local courses to ensure they align with foundation skills and pathways.

Ms Deborah Sansom(member to 20 December 2024) has a wealth of experience in governance, strategy, stakeholder management and communications. Based in the Barwon region, she currently works at Deakin University, where she leverages her diverse skill set to contribute significantly to the institution. Over the course of her career, she has worked across various sectors including the arts, education, not-for-profit and broadcasting sectors. In each of these fields, she has been a steadfast advocate for equity and has worked to improve access for underrepresented communities.

Mr David Wild (member from 1 November 2024) has extensive experience in organisational leadership and board directorships. He is CEO of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health in regional Victoria and has worked in the refugee/migrant, Aboriginal health, youth mental health and community vocational training sectors.

Mr Wild’s role on the Board for Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service saw him contribute to support for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Other past roles include CEO at the Specialised Assistance School for Youth in Adelaide, National Clinical Manager and State Manager for headspace Schools & Communities, and Team Leader at the Department of Education and Child Development in South Australia.

He has a Master of Social Work from Flinders University and in 2017 completed the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program of the Leaders Institute of South Australia.

Table 3: Board member appointment and meeting attendance details 2024–25

ARC: Audit and Risk Committee, FC: Finance Committee. PPPC: Planning, Prioritisation and Performance Committee

• Ms Leanne Williams, Chairperson
• Mr Deryck Gall, Deputy Chairperson
• Mr Alan Davis (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Mr Wayne Elliott
• Ms Vikki King (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Mr Peter MacDonald
• Mr Cameron Quinten (term ended 2 February 2025)
• Ms Sabina Reynolds (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Ms Richelle Yow

• Ms Beverley Knowles, Chairperson
• Ms Fiona Purcell, Deputy Chairperson
• Ms Louisa Ellum (term ended 21 March 2025)
• Mr Alexander Law
• Ms Elizabeth White

• Ms Shae McGregor, Acting Chairperson
• Ms Diane Carson, Chairperson (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Ms Karen Bird
• Ms Geraldine Jones
• Ms Den Lim
• Ms Jennifer McCafferty
• Ms Jenine Smith (term ended 21 November 2024)

• Mr Tim Shaw, Chairperson
• Ms Jannine Bennett, Deputy Chairperson
• Ms Annette Creek
• Ms Angela Dunn
• Mr Andrew Henwood
• Ms Jasmine-Monique McCaw (term ended 23 August 2024)
• Mr Greg Tinkler

• Ms Trish Curtis, Chairperson
• Ms Melinda Burgess, Deputy Chairperson
• Ms Laura Baker
• Mr Mewan Dissanayake
• Ms Jennifer Gordon
• Ms Melva Tyson
• Ms Sue West

• Ms Deborah Quin, Deputy Chairperson (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Mr Brian Gould (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Mr Robin Kuhne
• Ms Jessica Mitchell

• Dr Sureshan Marcandan, Chairperson
• Ms Christine McCall, Deputy Chairperson
• Mr Gregory Ferrington, Chairperson (term ended 30 September 2024)
• Ms Julie Johnston
• Mr John Sheen (term ended 30 September 2024)

• Mr Martin Corman, Chairperson
• Ms Sandra George, Deputy Chairperson
• Mr Ali Aziz
• Ms Catherine McGrath
• Mr Tim Newman
• Ms Jayne Valle

Nil reports.

Nil reports.

For 2024–25, the board expended a total of $0.4 million on information and communications technology (ICT), as detailed in Table 4.

Table 4: Expenditure on ICT 2024–25

Details of consultancies of $10,000 or greater

In 2024–25, there were 3 consultancies with fees payable of $10,000 or greater. Total expenditure in relation to this was $352,148 (excl. GST). Details of individual consultancies are outlined in Table 5.

Table 5: Consultancies of $10,000 or greater 2024–25

Details of consultancies less than $10,000

In 2024–25, there were no consultancies for which the total fees payable to an individual consultant were less than $10,000. The total expenditure incurred during 2024–25 was nil.

The board’s operations are administered by the department, including the provision of emergency procurement, in accordance with the requirements of government policy and accompanying guidelines. In 2024–25, nil emergency procurements in relation to the board were activated.

Nil reports.

The Victorian Government’s Social Procurement Framework (SPF) governs how the Victorian Government undertakes social procurement. The SPF aims to ensure that value-for-money considerations are not just focused on prices, but include opportunities to deliver social and sustainable outcomes that benefit the Victorian community. For government departments and agencies, the SPF provides a standardised and scalable approach to social procurement. For suppliers, it describes how to incorporate social value when competing for government procurement opportunities.

The SPF applies to all Victorian Government procurement relating to goods, services and construction.

The board is committed to complying with all associated departmental policies and procedures related to procurement, including social procurement and implementation of the SPF.

Social procurement objectives prioritised by the department during 2024–25 were:

• opportunities for Aboriginal Victorian people
• opportunities for Victorians with disability
• women’s equality and safety
• opportunities for Victorian priority jobseekers
• sustainable Victorian social enterprise and Aboriginal business sectors
• sustainable Victorian regions.

During the reporting period, the department advised staff undertaking procurement activity on behalf of the board on how to adhere with social procurement requirements.

In 2024–25, the board undertook the social procurement and commitment activities outlined in Table 6.

Table 6: ACFE Board social procurement activities and commitments 2024–25

Table 7 outlines the board’s performance in 2024–25 against the SPF objectives.

Table 7: ACFE Board performance against SPF objectives

Note: Businesses may be counted in more than one group.

Competitive neutrality requires that, where services of government business compete or potentially compete with those of the private sector, any advantage arising solely from government is accounted for if it is not in the public interest.

Government businesses that undertake significant business activities are required to implement competitive neutrality measures (such as setting competitive neutral prices), which accounts for any net advantage that comes from public ownership. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions about resource allocation. This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.

The board does not operate as a business whose services compete, or potentially compete, with the private sector, therefore the National Competition Policy is not applicable to the board.

The board’s operations are administered by the department, including the provision of departmental employees, facilities, office accommodation and fleet services required to support the board’s activities. The department’s annual report 2024–25 disclosure includes the environmental impact data of the board’s operations.

During 2024–25, one review and study was undertaken with a total cost of $10,600 (excl. GST). Details of individual reviews and studies are outlined in Table 8.

Table 8: Reviews and studies expenditure 2024–25

In 2024–25, there was one government advertising campaign with total media spending of $100 000 or greater (excl. GST). This spending is outlined in Table 9.

Table 9: Details of government advertising expenditure 2024–25

(i) Approved ‘Advertising (media) expenditure’ is the amount approved for each campaign by the Advertising Approval Group (AAG).

(ii) Planned campaign expenditure amounts are the amounts included in the Campaign Strategy form submitted to the AAG for review.

Victoria’s Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by the board. The purpose of the FOI Act is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information held by government departments, local councils, ministers and other bodies subject to the FOI Act.

An applicant has a right to apply for access to documents held by the board. This comprises documents created by the board or supplied to the board by an external organisation or individual, and may also include maps, films, microfiche, photographs, computer printouts, computer discs, audio recordings and video recordings. Information about the type of material produced by the board is available on the department’s website under its Part II Information Statement at Freedom of Information Part II – Information Statements – Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (djsir.vic.gov.au).

The FOI Act allows a department to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information. Examples of documents that may not be accessed include:

• Cabinet documents
• some internal working documents
• law enforcement documents
• documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice
• personal information about other people
• information provided to a department in confidence and information that is confidential under another Act.

Under the FOI Act, the processing time for FOI requests received is 30 calendar days. However, when external consultation is required under subsections 29, 29A, 31, 31A, 33, 34 or 35, a 15-day automatic extension applies. Processing time may also be extended by periods of up to 30 days, in consultation with the applicant. With the applicant’s agreement, this may occur any number of times. However, obtaining an applicant’s agreement for an extension cannot occur after the expiry of the timeframe for deciding a request.
If an applicant is not satisfied by a decision made by the board, under section 49A of the FOI Act they have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.

Making a request

FOI requests may be submitted to the board by completing the freedom of information form on the OVIC website at Find and request access to information – Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (ovic.vic.gov.au) An application fee of $33.60 applies. Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large and the search for material is time-consuming. Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large and the search for material is time-consuming.

Documents can also be accessed by making a written request to the board’s FOI team, as detailed in section 17 of the FOI Act.

To be valid, all FOI requests must be in writing, clearly identify what types of materials or documents are sought and include the application fee.

Requests for documents and other material in possession of the board should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Manager
Adult, Community and Further Education Board
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
GPO Box 4509
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email: acfe@djsir.vic.gov.au

Freedom of information statistics

For the 12 months ending 30 June 2025, the board received no new FOI applications.

More information

More information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the FOI Act, regulations made under the FOI Act and ovic.vic.gov.au

Victoria’s Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (PID Act) encourages and assists people to make disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The PID Act protects people who make disclosures in accordance with the PID Act and establishes a system to investigate and take rectifying action on the matters that have been disclosed.

The board does not tolerate improper conduct or reprisals against those who have come forward to disclose such conduct. The board is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices. It supports disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health, safety or the environment.

The board will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action as reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure, to the extent legally possible.

Reporting procedures

Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by the board or its officers may be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC):

Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission
Level 1, North Tower
459 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 1300 735 135
Website: ibac.vic.gov.au
Email: See the IBAC website for the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.

More information

Information on public interest disclosure procedures, including the system for reporting disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action, is available from the board’s public interest disclosures officer:

Public Interest Disclosures Officer
Adult, Community and Further Education Board
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
GPO Box 4509
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email: acfe@djsir.vic.gov.au

The Disability Act 2006 reaffirms and strengthens the rights and responsibilities of persons with disability and recognises that doing so requires support across the government sector and in the community. The department manages the implementation of a disability plan related to the employment of staff (see the department’s annual report for 2024–25).

Through the board, the Victorian Government funds Learn Local providers to deliver pre-accredited education and training to people whose current or past life circumstances are barriers to educational achievement. The board targets funding for learners facing educational disadvantage, including people with disability, and reports annually on their participation in board-funded training in the annual report.

The board does not own or control any government buildings, so it is exempt from notifying its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993.

The board does not have any assets for the purposes of the Asset Management Accountability Framework.

Consistent with the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994, the board has prepared material on the topics listed below. Details of this material are held by the Executive Director of the department’s Adult, Community and Further Education, Higher Education and Workforce Branch and are available to the public on request, subject to the FOI Act.

The information retained by the board includes details (where applicable) of any:

• statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant officers
• shares held by a senior officer as nominee or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary
• publications produced by the board about itself, and details on how these can be obtained
• changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the board
• major external reviews carried out on the board
• major research and development activities undertaken by the board
• overseas visits undertaken, including a summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit
• major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the board to develop community awareness of the entity and its services
• assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees
• general statement about industrial relations within the board, and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes
• list of major committees sponsored by the board, the purposes of each committee and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved
• consultancies and contractors, including:
  • consultants or contractors engaged
  • services provided
  • expenditure committed for each engagement.

Enquiries regarding details of this information should be made to:

Executive Director, Adult, Community and Further Education, Higher Education and Workforce
Skills and TAFE
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
GPO Box 4509
Melbourne VIC 3001
Telephone: 03 9651 9999
Email: acfe@djsir.vic.gov.au

I, Dr Teresa De Fazio, Chairperson, on behalf of the Responsible Body, certify that the Adult, Community and Further Education Board has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions.