Commonwealth power in respect of vocational education in Australia: some historical vignettes with future potential.

Abstract

Intervention in vocational education and training by the federal level of government in Australia (the Commonwealth) expanded exponentially in the last quarter of the 20th century, after halting and intermittent involvement in earlier decades. Such intervention in a field of public policy once considered the exclusive preserve of the States requires the assertion of a relevant head of power in the written constitution to ensure validity. Over the years a variety of powers has been deployed and a recent High Court case has opened the way for more far reaching intrusion. A review of earlier attempts to justify federal involvement suggests that the way is now open for uncontested Commonwealth control if it chooses to exercise it.