ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY - THE ROLE OF SETO

SETO ensures schools, parents, and education departments have a clear benchmark for safety, quality, and compliance when booking student travel.

We don’t just represent our members. We advocate on their behalf, working to shape policies, regulations, and industry standards that reflect the real-world needs of tour operators, educators, and students. SETO advocates unity and one voice in representing the Australian educational travel sector through coordinated and concise government liaison and open dialogue with other industry sectors on relevant industry needs.

From engaging with government bodies to addressing regulatory changes and simplifying administrative processes for schools, SETO is committed to removing barriers and improving access to high-quality educational travel.

Learn more about SETO

Advocacy in Action

SETO’s advocacy efforts focus on protecting and strengthening the student educational travel sector. Our work spans multiple areas, including:

SQS Certification: Raising the Standards

Our SETO Quality Standards (SQS) Certification ensures that SETO members meet the highest safety and operational benchmarks [making it easier for schools to choose trusted tour operators.

Industry Collaboration: Simplifying Compliance

We work closely with the Departments of Education and key stakeholders to:

Reduce administrative burdens for schools.
Streamline compliance requirements.
Develop policies that support safe and accessible student travel.

Research and Engagement: Data-Driven Advocacy

Through initiatives like the Bonard Barometer survey, SETO uses industry data to:

Shape policies that benefit tour operators and schools.
Highlight challenges and opportunities within the student travel sector.
Provide credible, research-backed insights to inform decision-making.

Why This Matters

From navigating shifting regulations to tackling the unexpected, SETO ensures that the industry has a unified voice that government bodies and education stakeholders can rely on.

Get Involved

Your insights and experiences matter. If you have an issue that needs industry-wide advocacy, get in touch with our team.

Building trust, confidence and community in education outside the classroom

Become a SETO member

SETO acknowledges traditional owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their ongoing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and future and support the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices.