Steve Herbert

During his time as a Government Minister, Steve Herbert significantly shaped and transformed Victoria’s training and International education system; implementing major reforms and overseeing government departments critical to Victoria’s future prosperity.

With the election of the Andrews Government in 2014, he was appointed Minister for Training and Skills, the first-ever Minister for International Education, and later the Minister for Corrections.

Under his Ministerial guidance, Victoria’s important training system underwent a major transformation, an innovative funding system which ensured that skills development linked to jobs, workforce, and industry needs was introduced; the vital TAFE sector was modernized, and; International Education in Victoria expanded significantly in both student numbers and value to the Victorian economy.

Steve has advised governments at both the State and Commonwealth level since first working as an advisor in housing and construction. He was Chief of Staff to a Victorian Minister for Education and the Minister for Finance.

In 2002 following his election to parliament he was appointed the Chair of the inaugural all-party Parliamentary Education and Training Committee. In this role, he made major recommendations to the government following major investigations into areas such as teacher training, the unfulfilled demand for places in higher education institutions in Victoria; the promotion of maths and science education; training in the rail industry, and the effects that social media and television can have on education.

During his second term, Steve was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Conservation and Environment and in 2007 he became the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. He has also served as the Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Skills and as the Shadow Minister for the Teaching Profession.

After retiring from politics in 2017, Steve Herbert became a director in the family consulting business continuing to specialize in international skills and training.

He loves spending time with his family, walking, renovating his home, and enjoying Victoria’s lively cultural environment.