The VIT Council opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Traditional Owners of the lands across Victoria. In particular, the Council recognised the Wurundjeri Woi‑wurrung people of the East Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the meeting was held, and paid respects to Elders past and present.

The Council met in Melbourne and the meeting was chaired by Deputy Chair Kate Fogarty.

Governance and committee matters

Council approved the minutes of Meeting 3‑2026 and recent out‑of‑session email meetings, and noted the May 2026 Council Communiqué and Action Register. Council received and noted reports from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

From the Chief Executive Officer’s report, the Council discussed key issues including VIT’s recent positive participation in the Government Schools Principals Conference, the progress of proposed amendments to the Education and Training Reform Act currently being debated in Parliament, and ongoing work in relation to the VIT Gender Equality Action Plan.

The Council noted that the CEO has stepped into the role of Convenor of the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities, which brings together teacher regulatory authorities across Australia and New Zealand to collaborate on common issues.

Council received updates and discussed matters arising from its committees, including the Accreditation Committee, Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee, Professional Conduct Committee, and People and Culture Committee.

The Council noted strong progress in registering overseas-qualified teachers, with more than 1,000 teachers registered this year following assessment through VIT’s overseas qualifications assessment process.

The Council noted the Professional Conduct Committee’s work on the treatment of diversion outcomes when assessing suitability to teach, as well as its consideration of complex issues relating to teachers’ lawful online content creation outside of professional practice. The Council also welcomed the continued reduction in open professional conduct cases and the ongoing implementation of revised delegations for decision-making.

The Council was also advised on decisions relating to the progress of matters to upcoming formal hearings and the continuation of related hearing processes.

Strategic direction

Council approved the amended Strategic Plan 2024–2027, the Strategic Performance Monitoring Framework, and the Council Effectiveness and Governance Plan.

In considering the Strategic Performance Monitoring Framework, Council highlighted the need for a roadmap of system and data improvements to enable more comprehensive performance reporting over time.

Council discussed and supported the proposed ‘first responder’ approach as part of the Council Effectiveness and Governance Plan, noting its potential value in supporting more structured and informed consideration of strategic matters. Council agreed that oversight of induction and ongoing professional development for members will be considered by the People and Culture Committee, with further work to refine these processes and advice to the Council.

Teaching Workforce

Council discussed the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme for the teaching profession and confirmed proposed advice to be provided to the Minister. 

Council also endorsed continued engagement with the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities on these issues. 

Enterprise bargaining and Annual Report planning

Council noted progress on Enterprise Agreement negotiations. Council also provided feedback on the key themes and expanded data tables for inclusion in VIT’s 2026 Annual Report.

Financial performance and risk

Council approved the FY 2026–27 budget, as recommended by the Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee. Council also approved the 2025–26 year‑end shell financial statements. 

Council reviewed and noted the Victorian Auditor General's Office external audit strategy for the year ending 30 June 2026.

Council approved the revised Risk Management Framework and Risk Management Policy, and considered the Risk Appetite Statements, with further consideration to occur at the August 2026 meeting.

Next meeting

The next Council meeting will be held on 26 August 2026.