Deborah Dunstone has been Assistant Director-General, State Schools - Disability and Inclusion in the Department of Education since 2017, when she took on the challenge of leading the whole-of-agency response to the Queensland Disability Review.
Across a long and successful career as a Secondary Principal, Assistant Regional Director, and Regional Director, Deb’s passion for inclusive practice has always been evident. Deb is well known for her capacity to inspire and challenge leadership teams to develop the vision of a system where every student belongs to their school community, engages purposefully in learning and experiences success.
Her leadership is hallmarked by her willingness to confront barriers to change, encouraging people to ask difficult questions and working with them to co-design innovative, evidence-based solutions. Queensland’s Inclusive Education policy is recognised nationally and internationally – its success is about policy and practice being led at a system level to support school improvement.
Deb holds a Bachelor of Educational Studies with The University of Queensland and was recently awarded a 2019 ACEL QLD, Excellence in Educational Leadership Award.
Looking back and looking forward – Disability and Inclusion in Queensland State schools
Deb Dunstone will share the Queensland journey around Inclusive Education following the Queensland Disability Review in 2017. Leading through school improvement and capability development has been a powerful way to ensure every student is able to attend their local school, access the curriculum, learn in a safe supportive environment and achieve academically. Reflecting on our journey provides us with an opportunity to consider next steps as we work towards ensuring a life of choice not chance for all students.