Most parents only see a small fraction of what happens in the Victorian public education system. But behind every policy shift, consultation, support resource or school-wide improvement are thousands of families — and an organisation working to make sure their voices are heard.
Parents Victoria (PV) spends every week of the year in rooms where decisions are made — advocating, challenging, influencing, advising and supporting — so that every child in a Victorian government school has the chance to thrive.
Parents Victoria meets regularly with senior leaders across the Department of Education, including Deputy Secretaries and major divisions (Wellbeing Health & Engagement, Operations & Governance).
We also contribute parent voice to high-stakes work such as:
- complaints management reform
- enrolment resources
- behaviour and wellbeing policies
- anti-bullying reviews
- equity and student engagement initiatives
- joining the Education Equity Alliance (EEA)
- federal and state parent roundtables
Every one of these meetings ensures that the lived experience of families is part of government decision-making — not an afterthought.
PV shares opportunities, resources and responds to challenges school families are dealing with:
- helping families understand and navigate the School Savings Bonus initiative
- media commentary on many school related issues
- supporting parents to talk to young people about pornography, bullying, school refusal
- producing podcasts and resources on challenges like out-of-field teaching, maths anxiety, and AI
- writing and publishing 11 e-newsletters
When government school families have questions, confusion or pressure, PV is often the only organisation translating policy, guidelines and processes into real help.
PV gets invited to many government and community organisation tables:
- engagement with AEU (Vic Branch), VCOSS, APF, VPA, CEP, VicSRC, VIT, VRQA, CCYP, VDWC, VCAA and VATL (and many more)
- contributing to major conferences (Government Principals Conference, Education State Forum and VCOSS Community Sector Education Forum)
- collaboration with the national organisation ACSSO
- presenting to international visitors on restorative practices
PV is recognised as the peak parent voice in Victoria — locally, nationally and internationally.
PV actively engages with the Victorian Parliamentary process to influence education policy. Over the past year, we participated in public hearings and submissions for:
- Better Student Pathways to In-Demand Industries, ensuring students are supported to access future career opportunities
- Inquiry into State Education in Victoria, advocating for equitable funding, wellbeing programs, and inclusive education
These opportunities allow PV to represent parent perspectives in formal legislative processes and contribute directly to shaping the future of Victorian public schools.
PV influences and impacts education system and school reform, not just responding to it.
- insights into the recently announced Behaviour Statement development
- contributed to the Federal Anti-Bullying Rapid Review/Consultations
- consultation on School Uniform, Digital Device Policy and Respect in Schools
- engagement in reviews of administration and compliance burden for schools
- publishing articles in AEU News
- planning and delivering our Centenary celebration
PV is influencing the future of Victorian schooling, from classroom relationships to wellbeing system design.