Senate inquiry approves VET changes

Legislation to protect students from unscrupulous vocational education providers has been given the tick of approval by a government-dominated Senate inquiry.

In its report tabled in parliament on Monday, the committee says the former Labor government's VET FEE-HELP scheme was "well-intentioned" but was never accompanied by necessary compliance and regulatory mechanisms.

It says the proposed changes are "vital" to improving the integrity of the scheme and restoring confidence in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

"The committee condemns the unconscionable behaviour of certain private VET providers and their agents whose unscrupulous practices have blighted the educational outcomes of affected students, unjustly saddled students with a lifetime of debt, and unfairly tarnished the reputation of the wider VET sector," the report said.

In a separate report, Labor recommends the bill be amended, describing it as "expressly inadequate".

The Greens have recommended the government stop for-profit providers from accessing VET FEE-HELP funding.