7Agreements with States in relation to vocational education and training a precondition for payment of financial assistance

#### 7 Agreements with States in relation to vocational education and training a precondition for payment of financial assistance (1) The Minister must not authorise a payment of financial assistance under this Act to a State for a year for vocational education and training in the State unless a written agreement (the Commonwealth‑State Agreement for Skilling Australia’s Workforce) is in force between the Commonwealth and the State that: (a) relates to vocational education and training; and (b) complies with Division 3; and (c) either: (i) was entered into by the State during 2005 (whether before or after the commencement of this Act); or (ii) is a later agreement that is expressed to replace the 2005 agreement. (2) The Minister must not authorise a payment of financial assistance under this Act to a State, for a year starting on or after 1 January 2006, for vocational education and training in the State unless a written agreement (the bilateral agreement) is in force between the Commonwealth and the State that: (a) is an agreement of a kind provided for in the Skilling Australia’s Workforce Agreement; and (b) complies with Division 4. (3) The Minister must not authorise a payment of financial assistance under this Act to a State for a year unless the Minister has approved the annual VET plan for the State for the year. (4) The Minister must not authorise a payment of financial assistance under this Act to a State for vocational education and training other than in accordance with the terms of the Skilling Australia’s Workforce Agreement.