Search for NDIA chief is ‘ongoing’
THE National Disability Insurance Agency has been tight-lipped on its search for a new chief, five months after former boss Rob De Luca quit.
Mr de Luca, who was in the role less than two years, left at the end of April to take up a role as chief executive at Zenitas Healthcare.
In response to questions from the Geelong Advertiser on the search, an NDIA spokeswoman said: “The process for appointing a new CEO for the NDIA is ongoing.”
The NDIA did not address whether the new chief would be based at the agency’s Geelong headquarters, or when the new chief was expected to be announced.
Mr de Luca was based in Melbourne.
When the NDIA announced his appointment in July 2017, it came four months after first CEO David Bowen announced his retirement.
The interim CEO role is being held by Vicki Rundle, who usually holds a deputy CEO role.
Mr de Luca resigned weeks before the May 18 election, with the Government unable to start an appointment process until after the vote.
Geelong-based Senator Sarah Henderson said she had always believed the NDIA CEO should be based in Geelong.
“I’m extremely proud of the Morrison Liberal Government’s very significant investment in the Geelong headquarters, which has brought many hundreds of jobs as well as major opportunities for our region,” Senator Henderson said.
Stuart Robert, who became NDIS Minister after the federal election, stopped short of saying the scheme’s incoming CEO should be based in Geelong when speaking with the Addy in June.
At the time, Mr Robert said he wanted the NDIA to find a new boss quickly.
Deputy Opposition Leader and Corio MP Richard Marles said it was a “disgrace” the NDIA had been without a CEO for more than 150 days, and that Labor had asked for more transparency.
“It would make sense for the CEO to be based in Geelong given the main office is located here,” Mr Marles said.
“But in order to have them based in Geelong, the Government needs to come forward and finally announce who the CEO is.” SURVIVAL skills, resilience and comradeship are a couple of the skills instilled in Queenscliff’s Australian Air Force Cadets.
On Monday 20 cadets will join past cadets to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 429 Squadron at Fort Queenscliff.
All past cadets are invited to the fort to see the progress of the group over the years.
Former cadet Carlee Dare said cadets, who were between 12 and 18, learned general service knowledge, aviation and field craft skills as well as parading every Monday night.
“Then they implement skills they’ve learnt, including reading maps, compasses and survival skills,” Ms Dare said.
“We do find we get a lot of kids from broken homes and put that self-discipline in them.”
The cadets have the chance to go on camps as well as a trip to Canberra in the school holidays where they tour the Defence Force Academy and other university options.
It is a family event for Ms Dare, whose father is the commanding officer of the Queenscliff squadron and her mother is also involved.
She said a few of Queenscliff’s cadets had pursued a career in the RAAF.
“My sister started in cadets when she was 12 and now she’s 30 and in the air force,” she said.
“It’s a stepping stone for people who want to think about a career in that force.”
Monday’s celebration includes a ceremonial parade at 6.45pm followed by supper.
During the evening cadets will escort family and friends around the squadron facilities.