This three-volume report provides a comprehensive picture of the vocational education and training system in Australia, its key policies, initiatives undertaken and achievements during 1999. This publication is composed of volumes 1 and 2. Volume 3 is available separately. Volume 1, National Overview, describes the national vocational education and training system. The first seven sections each focus on one of the agreed annual national priorities and achievements in that area. The priorities are: implementing New Apprenticeships; achieving diversity and flexibility to meet client needs; improving language, literacy, and numeracy skills; implementing the National Training Framework; increasing industry investment in training; providing greater opportunities and improved outcomes for underrepresented clients; and achieving greater efficiency. A final section discusses national programs and allocations to them. Volume 2, Commonwealth, State, and Territory Achievements, contains reports from each jurisdiction of their achievements against the systems's agreed seven annual national priorities. The sections cover the Commonwealth; New South Wales; Victoria; Queensland; South Australia; Western Australian; Tasmania; Northern Territory; and Australian Capital Territory. (YLB)