- Published:
- Tuesday 29 September 2026
The Premier has announced the appointment of Dr David Howes PSM as the Secretary of the Department of Education.
David is currently Acting Secretary of the Department of Education and, since 2019, has served as Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services.
He brings extensive experience across all levels of the education system, having begun his career as a teacher in Melbourne’s western suburbs before progressing through a range of leadership roles in Australia and overseas.
David served as Educational Adviser to the Royal Government of Cambodia for a number of years where he helped design and develop new curriculum, standards and teacher training for their education sector.
David was appointed to CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in 2017 and was also appointed as Chair of the Victorian Government's Expert Advisory Panel for Rural and Regional Students in 2019.
In 2021, David was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his commitment to delivering educational equity and excellence for Victoria's school students.
Quotes attributable to Premier Ben Carroll
“David brings a wealth of experience to this role, ranging from classroom teaching and leadership roles to education policy both in Australia and internationally.”
“Throughout his career David has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence and delivering what’s best for every Victorian student – I look forward to working with him as Secretary.”