Australia's first national strategy for vocational education and training (VET), "Towards a Skilled Australia," was formulated in 1994. Within the theme of improved accessibility, the strategy identifies the following groups as disadvantaged in VET: women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disabled people, people of a non-English speaking background, people in remote and rural areas, people without adequate English language and literacy levels, and unemployed people. It was determined that the national strategy would be redeveloped in 1996 to allow for developments in VET and the following issues: progress to date in access and equity; emerging issues and populations; key features of the national VET system; existing VET planning processes; standards and curriculum; delivery; information and communication; student support; cultural shifts; successful ventures; and future strategies. Fifty questions pertaining to these issues have been identified that will be considered at Australia-wide consultations designed to refine those provisions of Australia's national strategy for VET that are related to access and equity and improve access and equity for those groups identified as educationally disadvantaged. (Appended are key findings of a baseline VET participation analysis and a summary of progress on relevant measures contained in Australia's 1994 national strategy.) (MN)