Australia's system of vocational education and training (VET) is based on the principle of partnerships between key stakeholders: governments (Commonwealth, state and territory), training providers, employers and employees. Industry representation and governance in the VET sector in Australia has undergone several transformations in the past, and continues to do so, reflecting changes in the economy but also the continuing challenges in embedding an industry presence in VET leadership and governance. This summary brings together findings from, primarily, international country comparisons on industry's role in VET over the last decade, identifying the key characteristics of industry's successful engagement in VET governance. Although some work referenced may appear outdated, governance structures have not substantially changed in the countries investigated. At the time of writing this summary, the COVID-19 pandemic was causing disruption to all sectors of society, including education and training, paradoxically providing a further opportunity for new perspectives on industry representation, leadership and governance in the VET sector.