Law and policy regarding vocational education and training (VET) in Australia was systematically examined to explore these three hypotheses: (1) Australian law and policy on VET have not evolved in a systematic manner; (2) they also do not provide a coherent and internally consistent program for VET in Australia; and (3) they do not provide adequate guidance for people working in VET. Four conceptual criteria--transparency; completeness; coherence; and consistency--were used to explore the hypotheses. The link between the legislative framework of VET and labor market conditions was also examined. The study included an extensive literature review; preparation of an historical overview of VET law and policy; textual analysis of the law and policy regarding VET; and interviews with numerous VET practitioners and administrators. Special attention was paid to historical development of the regulatory framework of VET in Australia and VET policy in 1992-1998. The study established that law and policy regarding VET in Australia have indeed developed systematically, with the underlying theme of the development in the 20th century being the need to develop the national economy and provide an appropriately skilled labor force. Given the Australian constitutional context, the study found that federal, state, and territory policies and laws regarding VET probably work as completely, consistently, and coherently as the Australia federal structure allows. (Contains 234 references) (MN)