State government education in Victoria

Australians Unified supports a strong, inclusive Victorian education system: quality learning from early childhood through to school, TAFE and vocational education and training. Explore the State Government’s education responsibilities, the pressures facing students and teachers, and practical priorities for a capable future workforce.

Education responsibilities at a glance

The Victorian Government has a central role in delivering public education, developing workforce skills, supporting student wellbeing and helping every Victorian access meaningful learning opportunities. These four connected areas help children, students, families, educators and communities thrive.

Early childhood education

Kindergarten policy and funding, early learning regulation, educator workforce development and school-readiness programs give children the best possible start to learning.

School education

Government schools need clear curriculum delivery, a supported teacher workforce, student wellbeing programs and safe, fit-for-purpose school infrastructure.

Skills, training and support

TAFE oversight, vocational education, apprenticeships and workforce initiatives should work alongside inclusion services, disability support, mental health support and learning assistance.

Every Victorian deserves a pathway to learn

Education is a shared foundation for opportunity, participation and prosperity. Australians Unified advocates for practical, transparent education priorities that value students, families, teachers, training providers and regional communities—so learning remains accessible from a child’s first years through to a skilled career.

Responding to workforce and wellbeing pressures

Victorian education faces teacher recruitment shortages, regional workforce gaps and retention pressures. Students are also experiencing increasing mental health and wellbeing needs. Sustainable responses require a respected, well-supported education workforce; timely inclusion and disability supports; accessible learning assistance; and wellbeing services that help students engage, belong and succeed.

Help shape better education outcomes

Stay informed about the State Government education portfolio and add your voice to Australians Unified. Together, we can promote practical reforms across kindergarten, government schools, TAFE, vocational education, apprenticeships, infrastructure, workforce development and student support in Melbourne, across Victoria and throughout Australia.

Education Responsibilities

Portfolio Overview

The Victorian Government is responsible for delivering public education, developing workforce skills, supporting student wellbeing, and ensuring all Victorians have access to quality learning opportunities from early childhood through to vocational education and training.

 

Key Responsibilities

Early Childhood Education

  • Kindergarten policy and funding
  • Early learning regulation
  • Workforce development
  • School readiness programs

School Education

  • Government schools
  • Curriculum delivery
  • Teacher workforce management
  • Student wellbeing programs
  • School infrastructure

Skills & Training

  • TAFE oversight
  • Vocational education
  • Apprenticeships
  • Workforce development initiatives

Student Support

  • Inclusion services
  • Disability support
  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Learning assistance programs

 

Current Challenges

Teacher Workforce

  • Recruitment shortages
  • Regional workforce gaps
  • Workforce retention pressures

Student Wellbeing

  • Increasing mental health needs
  • Engagement challenges
  • Growing demand for support services

Infrastructure

  • Population growth pressures
  • School capacity constraints
  • Ageing facilities

Skills Development

  • Industry skills shortages
  • Training pathway alignment
  • Workforce readiness

 

Reform Priorities

Education Workforce Sustainability

  • Strengthen teacher recruitment.
  • Improve retention and career pathways.
  • Reduce unnecessary administration.

Student Wellbeing Framework

  • Increase early intervention support.
  • Expand school wellbeing services.
  • Strengthen family engagement.

Infrastructure First Planning

  • Align school construction with population growth.
  • Upgrade ageing learning environments.
  • Improve long-term planning capacity.

Skills & Employment Alignment

  • Strengthen TAFE pathways.
  • Increase industry partnerships.
  • Support future workforce needs.

 

Community Outcomes

✅ Improved educational outcomes

✅ Better student wellbeing

✅ Stronger teaching workforce

✅ Modern learning environments

✅ Better employment pathways

✅ Greater educational equity