VET News

eZine 21: ASQA - Round Up of the Year

ASQA’s approach to regulating the Vocational Education and Training sector continues to evolve, with an ongoing focus on the systems and tools training providers need to have in place to effectively assure themselves that they are delivering quality training outcomes. To be an effective regulator, however, we will also continue to take proactive steps to tackle integrity issues in our highly dynamic sector – with the regulatory tools to match. 

That’s why the Australian Government’s investment – announced in October – in our compliance, investigative and enforcement capabilities was so welcome. 

The investment of $33.3m over 3 years will create a dedicated Integrity Unit within ASQA, alongside an uplift in digital and data systems, and establish a VET tip-off line to provide a safe and confidential avenue for current and former students, staff and other potential whistleblowers to report – anonymously if they wish – alleged illegal and serious non-compliance activity. 

The tip-off line – 1300 644 844 – was operational immediately, and we have already had a very valuable initial response, including through the webform. 

Together, these measures will enable us to scale up our work to stamp out criminal and non-genuine behaviour,  including by better enabling students and members of the public to come forward with tip-offs about those not doing the right thing and through more effective information- and intelligence-sharing across government.

These initiatives formed part of the government’s response to the issues identified in the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System, led by Christine Nixon AO. They build on measures announced in late August to target unethical, dishonest or non-genuine providers that undermine confidence and integrity in the VET sector. 

This included strengthening the rules for the fit and proper persons test, which gives ASQA broader authority to scrutinise people who own, operate and manage registered training  organisations and ensure they meet higher and broader standards.

Put together, these measures will help enable us to deliver on our dual mandate to protect and enhance quality VET and to protect students and the reputation of VET nationally and internationally by holding providers to account to meet their responsibilities. 

While we know the majority of providers are motivated to deliver quality training outcomes, unfortunately there remains some in the sector that don’t share that motivation. This puts students at risk and undermines confidence in the VET sector. 

As the national VET regulator, we remain alert to the changing nature of the sector and won’t hesitate to use our powers to enforce compliance and, where necessary, cancel a provider’s registration in cases of serious non-compliance. 

Given the shared responsibility for quality in our sector, I encourage all stakeholders to report any concerning  behaviours or providers to our tip-off line. 

See full eZine magazine here.

Date posted Dec 14, 2023