Published 18 Aug 2026
Consultation feedback helps shape next phase of permission to teach (PTT) reforms
Feedback from teachers, school leaders, universities, parents and education stakeholders is helping to shape reforms to Victoria’s permission to teach (PTT) framework.
The proposed changes aim to provide greater clarity and consistency for applicants and employers, while helping schools respond to workforce challenges and maintaining high standards of teaching and student wellbeing.
The reforms build on recommendations from the Victorian Institute of Teaching’s (VIT) review of PTT and the assessment of overseas teaching qualifications. Together these changes are designed to support a strong and sustainable teaching workforce in Victoria.
Strong engagement across the sector
Between March and May 2026, we invited feedback on our draft revised PTT policy.
The consultation attracted 62 submissions from across Victoria’s education sector, including 21 representative organisations and stakeholder groups and 41 individual respondents, reflecting a broad range of perspectives from the profession and community.
Feedback demonstrated strong support for several key elements of the proposed reforms, including
- clearer eligibility requirements and standard conditions for PTT holders
- greater transparency and consistency in decision making
- the introduction of clear employer agreements to support PTT holders and schools.
Respondents supported an approach that recognises current teacher workforce challenges while maintaining quality teaching and protecting student wellbeing.
Many stakeholders welcomed the proposed employer support and supervision agreements, noting they could help address concerns about PTT holders being placed in unsuitable employment arrangements, while also providing flexibility for different school contexts and individual circumstances.
There was also support for allowing employers and PTT holders to determine appropriate employment time fractions based on local needs and capability.
While most aspects of the draft reforms received positive feedback, responses were more varied regarding how applicants’ skills and experience should be assessed. We’re continuing to work with stakeholders to improve clarity in this area and ensure assessment process are transparent and easy to understand.
Feedback shaping policy and implementation
Insights from the consultation are now being used to refine the draft PTT policy and inform the design of future processes and guidance materials.
This work includes
- updating the draft policy in response to stakeholder feedback
- undertaking targeted consultation on specific issues requiring further consolidation
- informing the design of supporting documentation and implementation processes
- helping shape the approach to employer agreements and sector support.
Legislative changes progressing
Alongside policy development, legislative amendments are currently progressing through Parliament to support implementation of the reforms.
The proposed changes include renaming Permission to Teach as Conditional Authority to Teach. The new name better reflects the purpose of the framework and provides greater clarity about the status of approved applicants.
The amendments will also establish employer support and supervision agreements within legislation, creating a stronger foundation for the proposed co-regulatory approach between VIT and employers.
Some aspects of the final policy remain subject to the outcome of the legislative process.
Next steps
Significant work is continuing throughout 2026 to support implementation of the reforms. This includes
- targeted consultation on proposed employer agreements during September
- final consultation on specific policy elements, including subject-related thresholds
- finalisation of the revised policy framework
- ongoing process design and system development to support future implementation.
We’ll continue to engage with stakeholders throughout this next phase to ensure the reforms remain practical, proportionate and effective.
These changes build on the recommendations released last year and reflect our commitment to reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, improving transparency and supporting schools to meet workforce challenges while maintaining the high standards expected of Victoria’s teaching profession.