Changes to Victoria’s education legislation are now in effect following the passing of the Education and Training Reform Amendment Bill 2026 (Vic) on Tuesday 4 August 2026.

The reforms strengthen child safety, improve transparency and information sharing, ensure fairness and support student wellbeing. 

Several of the changes affect the operation of VIT and the information available to employers, teachers and the community. 

Changes to the register of teachers

Protecting children and young people and maintaining public confidence in the teaching profession are central to our role.

As part of the reforms, the register of teachers, a public register that records information about all registered teachers in Victoria, will include additional information about a teacher’s registration status.

In addition to information already published, the register will be updated to show whether a teacher’s registration is subject to a

• condition, limitation or restriction
• caution or reprimand.

Improvements to the teacher registration framework 

The reforms also introduce several changes to improve the operation of the existing teacher registration framework and support timely regulatory decision-making.

Interim suspension decisions

The changes provide greater flexibility for VIT to make time-critical interim suspension decisions when necessary to protect children and young people.

Appropriately authorised VIT staff can now make interim suspension decisions on behalf of the CEO in specific circumstances, ensuring decisions can be made promptly when required. 

Reviews of interim suspensions

Changes will be made to the review timing for interim suspensions, from a 30 day cycle to a 90 day review cycle. While the timing of periodic reviews will change, we’ll continue to consider any new information as soon as practicable and determine whether a suspension should remain in place.

Information sharing

The reforms expand our ability to collect and disclose relevant information about people applying for teacher registration.

This supports evidence-based decision making and helps ensure registration decisions continue to prioritise child safety.  

Other contextual changes

Recognition of First Nations people in education

For the first time, the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 formally recognises First Nations people and embeds principles of self-determination within Victoria’s education system. 

The changes include

• a Statement of Recognition within the Act
• principles recognising First Nations people as Victoria’s first teachers and learners
• measures to support culturally safe and inclusive learning environments
• requirements relating to Aboriginal cultural understanding training across the education sector
• formal recognition of First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives within the curriculum.

Personal electronic devices in schools

The reforms require all Victorian schools to have a policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. This includes devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices and personal audio devices. The change is designed to support learning, engagement, wellbeing and student safety.

Victorian Student Register

The reforms also update the Victorian Student Register to support implementation of the national Schools Unique Student Identifier. These changes help reduce administrative burden for schools and support a more consistent national approach to student records.