The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), has taken a lead role in vocational education in Australian schools, policy and programme initiatives in recognition that vocational pathways are critical to developing the skills and attributes of young Australians to enable full and ongoing participation in learning and work. The The DEST submission (PDF 
267kb) to the Committee addresses the Australian Government’s role in taking forward the vocational education agenda, current developments in vocational education, support for teacher education and professional development and key issues.