About the Department

Statutory Authorities

Statutory authorities are organisations established under an Act of the Victorian Parliament for a public purpose.

The Department works in conjunction with four statutory authorities to provide advice to the Minister for Education, Ms Bronwyn Pike, and the Minister for Early Childhood Development, Ms Maxine Morand.

Statutory authorities ensure that goals and targets are achieved and that the delivery of government-funded education and early childhood objectives are met.

See also information about Statutory Authority changes.

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Merit Protection Boards

The Merit Protection Boards (MPBs) hear grievances/appeals from members of the teaching service and public sector personnel across the Department in relation to transfer/promotion, general/personal, discipline, sexual harassment and discrimination.

For more information, see: Merit Protection Boards (http://www.mpb.vic.gov.au)

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Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is a statutory authority that reports directly to the Victorian Minister for Education through the VCAA Board.

The VCAA is responsible for providing high-quality curriculum and assessment programs. It develops curriculum, assesses student learning and monitors student achievement, and conducts research leading to innovative educational programs.

In Years Prep to Year 10 VCAA provides the:

  • Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS)
  • National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy Testing (NAPLAN)

Senior secondary programs are the:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and
  • Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Excellence and awards programs celebrate student achievement.

For more information, see: Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au)

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The Victorian Institute of Teaching

The Victorian Institute of Teaching is an independent statutory authority for the regulation and promotion of the teaching profession in Victoria. It was established by the Victorian Institute of Teaching Act 2001.

Governed by a twenty member Council, the Institute:

  • registers all teachers employed in government, Catholic and independent schools
  • supports teachers make the transition to the profession with a structured induction program
  • develops and promotes standards of professional and ethical practice
  • reviews and accredits pre-service teacher education courses which prepare teachers for entry to the profession
  • promotes recognition and celebration of the significance, value and achievements of the teaching profession
  • provides advice to the Minister on professional matters concerning teachers e.g. their professional development needs
  • investigates and makes findings on instances of serious misconduct, serious incompetence or lack of fitness to teach.

For more information, see: 

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The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) accredits qualifications and is the regulator of government and non-government schools, vocational education and training providers (including TAFEs) and higher education providers (except established universities). The VRQA is primarily responsible for ensuring that all education providers are meeting minimum quality education standards so that all students have the opportunity to reach their potential.

This new Authority, the first of its kind in Australia, incorporates and expands upon the previous responsibilities of the Victorian Qualifications Authority and the Registered Schools Board.

The new Authority is responsible for:

  • the initial registration and ongoing monitoring of all schools, registered training organisation (RTOs) and higher education providers (except universities established under their own Acts)
  • the registration of students being home schooled
  • the accreditation of courses and registration of qualifications
  • the authorisation of providers to conduct or award those courses and qualifications.
  • the approval of providers to deliver specified courses to overseas students
  • the maintenance of a publicly available State Register

For more information see Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority  (http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au)

 

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Statutory Authority changes

Responsibility for the Adult, Community and Further Education Board (ACFE) (http://www.acfe.vic.gov.au/) was transferred to the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) (http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au) on 5 December, 2006.

ACFE was established under the Adult, Community and Further Education Act 1991 to support development of adult, community and further education in Victoria. It focuses on fostering relationships within the community based sector to ensure that the learning needs of adults are identified.

Additionally, responsibility for the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission (VLESC) was transferred to the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) (http://www.diird.vic.gov.au/).

This Authority is now known as the Victorian Skills Commission (VSC). The VSC incorporates the functions of the former VLESC and provides policy advice and direction to support the Government in achieving its goals and targets for post-compulsory education and training. For more information, see Victorian Skills Commission (VSC) (http://www.vsc.vic.gov.au)

 

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