Legislation and ministerial orders: Department of Education

Education and Training Reform Act 2006

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 was introduced to ensure Victoria has a robust and modern legislative framework for education. It updates and replaces twelve separate education Acts.

The Education and Training Reform Bill passed the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament on Thursday 4 May, 2006 and received Royal Assent through the Governor in Council on Tuesday 16 May, 2006 after a 2-year process of development and consultation.

The act came into effect when it was proclaimed on Sunday 1st July 2007 by the Governor in Council.

It updates and replaces 12 separate education Acts.

More information

Ministerial Statement of Expectations for the Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority (PDF, 198KB)

Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017

The Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 are made under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and provides guidance on matters relating to:

• government school education (including admission, attendance and age requirements)
• government school councils (including meetings, membership and accounting requirements)
• parents’ clubs and fundraising for government schools
• registration of schools (including minimum standards and application requirements)
• home schooling (including registration, learning areas, learning plan requirements, reviews and cancellation requirements)
• registration of education and training organisations (including minimum standards for senior secondary courses and criteria for registration)
• consumer protection in the vocational education and training sector
• the role of VRQA in investigating complaints
• transport and travelling allowances.

The 2017 regulations replace the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007.

Order in Council

The Governor in Council has the power to approve or amend certain matters of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, by way of an Order in Council

The Order in Council is made when the Governor of Victoria exercises their power to act with the advice of the Victorian Executive Council to implement an aspect of the Act. This Executive Council normally consists of 4 Victorian Ministers (minimum two) who meet with the Governor and represent the Government.

Under Section 5.1.3 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 once an Order in Council is made, it must then be published in the Victorian Government Gazette.

For example, the Governor in Council Orders made for Skills Victoria include:

• creating a TAFE institute
• establishing a Board to oversee and govern a TAFE institute
• setting the rate of payment for students employed under a practical placement agreement.

Key 2009 Orders in Council

For more information on the Order in Council made on the minimum payment for practical placements refer to page 1168 of the Victorian Government Gazette No. G 19 (PDF, 1.5MB)

Ministers and key staff

Profile information about our ministers and key staff.

Legislation administered by the Minister for Education and the Minister for Training and Skills

To find out more about the Acts of Parliament administered by The Minister for Education and the Minister for Training and Skills, refer to General Orders.