The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) is the peak body for Catholic education in Australia and is responsible for the national coordination and representation of Catholic schools and education authorities. There are 1,755 Catholic schools in Australia educating over 785,000 students and employing more than 102,000 staff. Established in 1974 by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, through the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, the NCEC’s national office (secretariat) is responsible for the implementation of the Commission’s strategic priorities and day-to-day operations including: > Working towards a national policy consensus and resourcing that represents and serves the needs and interests of Catholic school communities > Consultation and coordination with State and Territory Commissions, Religious Institute and Ministerial PJP schools and authorities, Catholic School Parents Australia and Catholic Primary and Secondary Principal Associations > Maintaining effective liaison with the Australian Government and other key education authorities and bodies > Strengthening the work of the Church in education and the Catholic identity of Catholic schools and universities.