The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) has backed the removal of funding barriers for Aboriginal Community Controlled Registered Training Organisations (ACC-RTOs), acknowledging the sector’s critical role in delivering high-quality, culturally safe training and meeting workforce demands.
Initiated by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the campaign is calling on the Australian Government to provide ACC-RTOs with a standalone classification in the vocational education and training (VET) system and the Victorian Government to be prepared to implement this reform at a state level.
Despite being not-for-profit and providing free training for students, ACC-RTOs are currently classified as private providers, restricting their ability to apply for public funds.
Shane Charles, a proud Yorta Yorta man, is a graduate of VACCHO’s Registered Training Organisation’s nationally accredited Diploma of Community Services. He said “‘I honestly don’t think that I would have been able to complete this Diploma if it was not for VACCHO.”
Shane appreciates the support from VACCHO, which covered his travel and accommodation expenses associated with attending his classes.
There are currently three ACC-RTOs in Victoria delivering culturally appropriate education and training programs that meet the critical skills needs of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), which provide essential services for and in Communities.
However, due to funding barriers, many ACC-RTOs are financially vulnerable – around 60 per cent are currently operating in deficit.
According to research conducted by the Human Services Skills Organisation, approximately 95 per cent of ACC-RTO students would not have participated in mainstream VET if ACC-RTOs were not available. It means potential students could miss out if this change is not made.
ACC-RTOs have completion rates nearly three times higher than mainstream providers for Aboriginal students, signalling their importance in the vocational education system.
The VTA has today officially signed VACCHO’s position statement calling for a new classification alongside leading Aboriginal education organisations across Australia – including the Institute for Aboriginal Development, AbSec, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gallang Place, and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL).
Quotes attributable to Victorian TAFE Association CEO Alex White:
“Just like Victoria’s public TAFE network, ACC-RTOs are doing important work training skilled workers to fill critical in-demand roles in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, while empowering individuals at the same time.
“Providing ACC-RTOs with a fair and practical classification that acknowledges the unique role they play, will help ensure the sector is financially sustainable and continues to meet the needs of their Communities.”
Quote attributable to VACCHO Acting CEO, Jim O’Shea
“VACCHO welcomes the support of the Victorian TAFE Association in our campaign for reclassification of a dedicated ACC-RTO classification.
“A bespoke, well-resourced classification will allow fairer access to funding, will support self-determination, and will strengthen the VET sector through equity, not competition.”
Media contact
Jenny Stramilos [VTA] 0412 870 220
Simone Cutajar [VACCHO] 0402 448 438
About the Victorian TAFE Association
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is the peak body for the Victorian TAFE sector, comprising Victoria’s 12 TAFE Institutes, four dual sector universities and AMES Australia. We proudly champion public vocational education and training (VET) with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for learners, industry, and community.
About VACCHO
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. We have 35 member Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations providing support to over 79,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state. VACCHO is also a member of the Victorian First Nations VET Alliance (VFNVA) which is made of Victoria’s three ACC-RTOs.