The Victorian Government is taking action to rebuild the VCAA and restore confidence for Victorian students, families and schools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced that the Government will accept all 11 recommendations of the second stage of Dr Yehudi Blacher PSM’s root-and-branch review into the VCAA.
Dr Blacher’s Stage Two report is a sweeping review of the VCAA’s structure, operations, culture and capability.
In line with Dr Blacher’s recommendations, the VCAA will continue as an independent statutory authority. As recommended, the organisation’s leadership will be reset – excluding the newly appointed CEO. The VCAA board will reset its priorities and strengthen its focus on giving Victorian students, parents and teachers the confidence they deserve.
The new board includes members with strong experience in education, governance, finance, law and HR. To further strengthen oversight, the Minister for Education will issue a statement of expectations to the VCAA every two years.
The new board will lead improvements to governance, accountability and financial management.
Dr Blacher made further recommendations to continue to improve the VCAA’s policies and procedures, and to reset external relationships to ensure better two-way communication with schools, staff and students.
The new CEO of the VCAA Andrew Smith will oversee implementation of the report’s recommendations, while prioritising the successful delivery of the 2025 exams and preparations for the 2026 exams.
The report recognises progress already made this year and recommends an Independent Monitor remains in place for at least 12 months to protect the integrity of the 2026 exams.
Stage One’s eight recommendations – focused on safeguarding the 2025 VCE exams – are on track to be delivered for this year’s exams.
Following Stage One of Dr Blacher’s root-and-branch review, the VCAA Board was replaced with an interim board led by Department of Education Secretary Tony Bates, which will oversee the 2025 exams and future governance.
Both Stage One and Stage Two of the Blacher Review are available at vic.gov.au/blacher-review-vcaa.