Debbie Hansen and Martin Lubrano will lead Australia’s peak body for primary school principals from January 2027.
Australia’s primary school principals will have new national leadership from January 2027, with Debbie Hansen elected President of the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) and Martin Lubrano elected Deputy President.
APPA represents more than 7,600 government, Catholic and independent primary school principals across Australia.
Ms Hansen will succeed current APPA President Angela Falkenberg. She brings more than 20 years’ experience as a Queensland state school principal, having led seven schools during her career. She is currently President of the Queensland Association of State School Principals and has previously served on APPA’s Board and National Advisory Council.
As APPA President, Ms Hansen has identified strengthening the voice of principals, addressing workforce sustainability, reducing administrative demands and promoting educational equity among her priorities.
These are issues that can have a direct bearing on school communities, from the ability to attract and retain teachers to the time school leaders can devote to teaching and learning, staff and students.
Ms Hansen said she was honoured to lead APPA and advocate for the voices of primary school principals nationally.
“Deb brings a unique combination of frontline principal experience, association leadership and national advocacy,” Ms Falkenberg said.
“She has consistently championed the voice of practising principals and understands the opportunities and challenges facing primary schools across Australia.”
Mr Lubrano will take on the role of Deputy President. He is the Immediate Past National President of the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) and has held senior leadership positions at Trinity Grammar School and Barker College.
He has also contributed to APPA through its National Advisory Council and Board, as well as to national education reference groups.
Mr Lubrano has championed primary education throughout his career and led initiatives focused on strengthening educational opportunities for Indigenous students and school communities.
Together, the new leadership team will continue APPA’s work representing primary school principals and engaging with governments and education stakeholders on issues affecting primary education.
Their priorities will include strengthening the voice of school leaders, supporting a sustainable education workforce and ensuring national education reforms deliver practical outcomes for schools and students.
Ms Hansen and Mr Lubrano will formally commence their roles in January 2027.