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Tony Harrison
Chief Executive
Department for Education and Child Development
Tony Harrison was appointed to lead the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) in July 2013. He has a strong background in public administration in addition to matters pertaining to child protection. He is also a keen advocate for supporting those with a disability, particularly children and young people.
Mr Harrison has extensive experience in high level organisational management, through his previous work as a Police Assistant Commissioner with SAPOL, as Director- General, Community Safety, and as Chief Executive of the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission. He is also the serving President of Minda Incorporated, the largest disability provider in South Australia.
As a member of the Australian Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs Senior Officials Committee (AEEYSOC) Mr Harrison has contributed to advancing the strategic role of national Directors General of education.
In 2014 Mr Harrison took on the national role of Chair of the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Advisory Group (ATSIEAG).
In his role as chair of the ATSIEAG and as a member of AEEYSOC Mr Harrison has an important role in supporting the Education Council to achieve its priority actions and fulfil its planning, monitoring and reporting responsibilities. The Advisory Group has responsibility for the development of a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy.
Mr Harrison is committed to supporting the delivery of professional and contemporary education, child protection, and child development services. He is focused on ensuring the delivery of a highly integrated service delivery model to ensure young people are afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential in life.