The purpose of this briefing note is to provide a context for consideration of the Board of Vocational Education and Training Bill 1994.

In her second reading speech in relation to the above bill, Mrs Chikarovski states that three major reports have influenced the development of national consensus in relation to the vocational education and training system: the Deveson Committee Report; the Finn Report; and the report of the Employment and Skill Formation Council's report on the Australian vocational certificate training system. 

The major points contained in these reports are outlined within the briefing note. However, prior to examining these reports, it is appropriate to consider the development of what is usually referred to as the National Training Reform Agenda, of which the three reports previously mentioned, form part. The impetus for examination and consideration of the relevance of education and training can be seen to have arisen out of economic considerations in relation to the competitiveness of the Australian economy.

The undernoted reports represent attempts to address some of the issues raised above:

 A. Training Costs of Award Restructuring: Report of the Training Costs Review Committee (The Deveson Report)

 B. Young People's Participation in Post-Compulsory Education & Training Report of the Australian Education Council Review Committee (The Finn Report)

 C. The Australian Vocational Certificate Training System Employment and Skills Formation Council (The Carmichael Report)