State and territory governments have the responsibility for most education and training, including the administration and substantial funding of primary and secondary education, as well as the administration and major funding of VET.
The Commonwealth Government has special responsibilities in education and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrants, international relations in education, and assistance for students. It is also principally responsible for funding of higher education institutions, and provides supplementary funding for schools and for VET. The Commonwealth Government also provides special grants to the states and territories for areas of particular need. Apart from its significant financial role, the Commonwealth is also involved in promoting national consistency and coherence in the provision of education and training across Australia.