Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, today announced the appointment of Murat Dizdar as the new NSW Department of Education Secretary.
“Appointing Mr Dizdar as Acting Secretary was the first decision I made as Minister and I’ve seen firsthand how he is respected and valued in our schools and among the education support teams,” Ms Car said.
“It’s very important for me as Minister to have a teacher leading the department and I greatly value his experience and advice.”
As a former public school student, teacher, principal, executive and parent, Mr Dizdar has spent most of his life in the NSW public education system and believes in the transformative power of education, the Minister said.
“With his commitment to equity and outcomes for all learners, his strategic direction and drive, and his home-grown knowledge of the Department and the challenges facing teachers, he was the natural choice,” she said.
“I thank Mr Dizdar for his invaluable support to me since I was appointed minister, and I’m really excited about what we can do together in the future.”
Mr Dizdar led the department through significant change since April 2023, delivering on key State Government reforms and refocusing the organisation to reinvigorate and rebuild the public school system, said Minister Car.
He has been pivotal in working with education partners including the NSW Teachers Federation, she said.
Acting Secretary for the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Peter Duncan, welcomed Mr Dizdar’s appointment.
“Mr Dizdar began his career as a social sciences teacher at Ashcroft High School and has experience in several school leadership roles including senior principal of Belmore and Punchbowl Boys High Schools,” Mr Duncan said.
“He brings more than 25 years’ experience within the education sector, holding a range of operational roles within educational settings as well as senior executive roles within the Department of Education.”
