Overview

• Independent reviewer Yehudi Blacher found the VCAA dysfunctional, with decisions driven by fear, secrecy and unchecked authority.
• The Victorian government said it will accept all 11 recommendations, including a progressive spill‑and‑fill to reset senior leadership while retaining the newly appointed CEO.
• The review advises keeping an independent monitor in place for at least 12 months or until the minister is satisfied with systems and processes.
• The VCAA will remain a statutory authority as reforms focus on stronger board governance, a clarified relationship with the Education Department, a sustainable budget, redesigned processes and a technology road map targeting critical risks.
• The overhaul follows a 2024 leak that exposed questions across 65 of 116 VCE exams, with the reviewer warning that full remediation will take years and estimating about three years for the current reform program.