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VET News
Wednesday 25th of March 2026
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Hello and welcome to VET News,
This month we have released a new article, A Trainer’s Guide to Demonstration Performance Methods of Instruction, designed to support trainers using demonstration and performance-based instruction more effectively. It is a useful resource for teams reviewing delivery practice in relation to the requirements of outcome standard 1.1, and I encourage you to share it with your trainers.
A quick reminder as well about the Annual Declaration on Compliance. It closes on 31 March, so there are now only a few days left to submit. If this is still sitting on the list, now is the time to get it done. It is a compulsory requirement for RTOs and executive officers, and missing the deadline can lead to financial penalties.
I am please to announce the release of a new webinar, Measuring Compliance Through Risk Management, for those looking at practical ways to strengthen compliance monitoring and comply with outcome standard 4.3. It looks at how risk management can be used as a more structured and useful way to measure compliance across your organisation.
As always, I welcome your feedback on the newsletter. If there are topics, regulatory updates or practical issues you would like to see covered in future editions, or if there is information you have been looking for and not finding, let me know. That feedback helps me keep the newsletter useful and relevant to your work. Please send any feedback or suggestions to joe.newbery@newberyconsulting.com.au.
Good training,
Joe Newbery
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Compliance & Regulatory News
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Digital Transformation Program
The ASQA Portal, launched last year, is a key milestone in ASQA’s Digital Transformation Program. It will become a centralised platform replacing asqanet and asqconnect and is currently used for complaints, tip-offs, and evidence submissions.
As development continues, shaped by user feedback, the Portal supports a shift toward greater self-service, transparency, and improved user experience, while strengthening ASQA’s ability to regulate and protect the integrity of the VET sector.
Click here to find out more
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Exempt/Aggregate Reporting
The deadline for RTOs to report aggregate data is 31st March 2026. Aggregate reporting applies where a VET Regulator has granted an exemption from full AVETMISS reporting under Section 5 of the National VET Data Policy.
If your RTO has an exemption but has submitted, or will submit, full AVETMISS data for 2025, please notify AVETMISS Support Client Services.
Click here to find out more
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The 2026 Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC)
The 2026 Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC) will open on 3rd March 2026 and close on 31st March 2026. The ADC confirms that your RTO has systematically monitored compliance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, including Outcome Standards and Compliance Requirements, reporting any issues and how they were addressed.
Beyond regulatory obligations, the ADC demonstrates your RTO’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
For the 2026 ADC, providers must declare compliance with the 2025 Standards (effective 1 July 2025). ASQA’s Practice Guides, with embedded self-assurance questions, support understanding of these requirements. Providers should review these alongside the legislation; the previous Self-assessment Tool is no longer required.
Click here to find out more
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2026 ASQA Sector Workshop Series
Building on the success of last year’s workshops, ASQA will run a series of face-to-face workshops for providers in March and April 2026. These sessions will cover:
- providers’ progress in meeting the 2025 Standards
- practical guidance on maintaining compliance
- the responsible use of artificial intelligence in VET delivery
Ticket price is $30pp and includes morning/afternoon tea.
Dates:
Darwin – 31st March
Adelaide – 1st April
Melbourne – 21st & 22nd April
Hobart – 23rd April
Sydney – 28th & 29th April
Perth – 30th April
Click here to find out more
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AVETMISS Update – VET Provider Collection (Release 8.1)
The Skills Ministers have approved AVETMISS changes effective 1 January 2027. Key updates include the transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), and the introduction of a new Specific Funding Identifier code to enable RTOs to report training under the ‘Free TAFE’ program.
Click here to find out more
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Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work
Biological hazards are substances or agents of biological origin—such as those from humans, plants, and animals—that can pose risks to human health. These include viruses, bacteria, parasites, prions, certain fungi (including mould), as well as allergens, irritants, and toxins like organic dusts, sap, and venom. They can occur in any industry or workplace, and exposure may lead to injury, illness, or disease.
The Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Biological Hazards at Work—the first of its kind globally—provides practical guidance to help employers protect workers and others from exposure to biological hazards in the workplace.
Click here to find out more
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International Labour Market Update released
February 27th, 2026
The latest International Labour Market Update points to easing global labour market conditions and the growing productivity potential of AI.
Although global GDP remained relatively resilient in 2025, the OECD and World Bank warn that higher tariffs and policy uncertainty may dampen investment and trade. Research also suggests AI adoption could boost productivity, with labour productivity in the Euro Area rising 0.7% to September 2025.
The update includes snapshots of major economies such as Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom.
Click here to find out more
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First Nations special collection
A new First Nations collection has been launched as part of the recent refresh of the VOCEDplus special collections. It brings together research, resources, statistics, and policy on First Nations peoples’ participation and outcomes in education, training, and the labour market in Australia and internationally.
Publications are organised by region, including New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and other countries and regions.
Click here to find out more
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Direct entry nominations for the 2026 Australian Training Awards are now open!
16th March 2026
Nominations for the 2026 Australian Training Awards are now open—an opportunity to recognise individuals and organisations driving excellence in vocational education and training (VET) across Australia.
The awards celebrate innovation, achievement, and impact in the VET sector, with this year’s event to be
held in Sydney, bringing together finalists and industry leaders from across the country.
Nominations will close on 20th May 2026.
Click here to find out more
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2026 Tasmanian Training Awards are now open
The Tasmanian Training Awards are held annually and delivered by Skills Tasmania within the Department of State Growth. The program recognises outstanding apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers, training providers, and employers across Tasmania.
Applications close on 25th May 11:59pm.
Click here to find out more
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Reports, Articles, Papers and Research
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AI to Support Neurodivergent Learners in Vocational Education and Training
This report examines how AI and advanced technologies can support neurodivergent learners in Vocational Education and Training (VET), including apprenticeships and transitions to work. Drawing on stakeholder insights, it highlights how tools such as extended reality and AI-powered accessibility features can make VET more adaptive and inclusive, while also noting risks around privacy, bias, and wellbeing. The report emphasises the role of governments in building educator capability and supporting safe, effective use of assistive technologies.
Click here to find out more
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Flexible Learning Pathways into Healthcare Occupations
This joint OECD and International Labour Organisation (ILO) report explores how flexible training and clear career pathways can help address healthcare skill shortages. Highlighting global examples, it showcases approaches such as modular learning, online education, recognition of prior learning, and strong employer partnerships. The report finds that more accessible and adaptable adult learning can expand entry into health and care roles, improve care quality, and create better employment opportunities.
Click here to find out more
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Training Packages Updates
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The following training packages has been updated on training.gov.au:
AMP: Australian Meat Processing Training Package
13th March 2026
Unit of competency-
0 units added, 2 updated and 91 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
0 units added, 4 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
MSF: Furnishing Training Package
13th March 2026
Qualifications-
1 qualification added, 0 updated and 1 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
4 skill sets added, 0 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
30 units added, 0 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
19 units added, 7 updated and 25 removed
Click here to find out more
AUR: Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package
17th March 2026
Qualifications-
9 qualifications added, 26 updated and 9 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
1 skill set added, 14 updated and 15 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
2 units added, 0 updated and 76 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
40 units added, 3 updated and 48 removed
Click here to find out more
RII: Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package
17th March 2026
Qualifications-
8 qualifications added, 22 updated and 8 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
0 skill sets added, 0 updated and 1 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
0 units added, 0 updated and 28 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
25 units added, 4 updated and 40 removed
Click here to find out more
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The fifth OECD International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Work, Innovation, Productivity and Skills
30th March to 1st April 2026
Over three days and 10 live webcast sessions, AI-WIPS 2026 will bring together leaders from policy, business, academia, and civil society to explore how AI is reshaping employment, skills, productivity, and innovation—and how policy should respond.
Topics will range from the rise of agentic AI to the governance of algorithmic management, examining impacts on productivity, competition, and innovation, as well as AI’s potential to support neurodivergent learners and transform workplaces across sectors.
Click here to find out more
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AVETRA 2026 Conference
23rd – 24th April 2026 – Brisbane
The Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) promotes high-quality VET research, builds research and evaluation capability, and creates opportunities to share ideas and insights. Its annual conference is designed to be informative, practical and thought-provoking, while supporting professional networking. The 2026 conference theme is Schisms and Continuums: Understanding Sustainability, Change and Identity in Vocational Education.
Click here to find out more
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TDA Convention 2026 | Power of TAFE
5th–7th May 2026
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
TDA Convention 2026 – Power of TAFE is Australia’s premier national event celebrating the impact, innovation and strength of TAFE in the education and training sector. TDA Convention 2026 will bring together leaders, educators, policymakers and industry partners to explore how TAFE powers skills, jobs and innovation for Australia’s future.
Click here to find out more
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NAEN 2026 National Conference
27th-29th May 2026- Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru
The National Apprentice Employment Network 2026 National Conference (NAEN 2026) will be held at Ayers Rock Resort near Uluru with the theme ‘Skills in the Heart’, the event will feature expert speakers and discussions on key issues shaping the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
Delegates will hear from leaders across industry, government, academia, and training, making this a key event for those involved in supporting and employing apprentices and trainees.
Click here to find out more
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2026 Skills Conference
16th June 2026- Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
The 2026 Skills Conference is a leading annual event for the VET sector, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and educators under the theme “Unleash the Potential.”
The program includes keynote presentations from Jobs and Skills Australia and the NSW Ministry, expert panels on economic trends and apprenticeship innovation, and practical sessions on digital wellbeing and social impact through training. The conference offers valuable opportunities for networking and professional development, supporting the VET sector to stay aligned with Australia’s evolving workforce and future economy.
Click here to find out more
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026
24th – 26th June 2026 – University of Tasmania, Hobart
The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET), in partnership with the University of Tasmania, invites you to attend the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026: From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice.
The symposium will bring together academics, educators, practitioners, and people with disability from across the Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training sectors. Attendance is available both in person and online.
Abstract submissions close Monday 2nd March, with early bird pricing available until 4th May.
Click here to find out more
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VET National Teaching & Learning Conference
13th – 14th August 2026
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Convenor: VET Development Centre
For over 20 years, the VET Development Centre has proudly delivered one of Australia’s premier teaching and learning conferences for the Vocational Education and Training sector. Building on this strong tradition, the upcoming conference will feature high-profile keynote speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, concurrent interactive workshops, and research sessions.
Click here to find out more
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National VET Conference
29th – 30th October 2026
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 2026 National VET Conference will offer a diverse program of plenary and concurrent elective sessions. Under the theme ‘Forging a Trusted Future’, the conference will provide valuable professional development opportunities, access to product and service providers, and the chance to connect and network with peers from across Australia.
Click here to find out more
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