The wholesale review of the way the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) approach es regulation of the vocational education and training (VET) system has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational training and skills se ctors.
"For some time we've been telling the Australian Government that we need an approach to regulation of the VET sector that assists quality providers to deliver quality outcomes without burdening them with red -tape," said Mr Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
The review of ASQA announced by the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business.
Senator the Hon. Michaela Cash, clearly sets out an expand ed educative role for ASQA to ensure training providers are aware of and supported to understand regulatory requirements.
"This is great news for quality VET providers that have a strong focus on supporting students within the confines of a complex regulatory system. ASQA had argued in the past that its role wasn't to educate the sector. We always disagreed with this view, so the new pathway is most welcome," Mr Williams said.
One of the most contentious aspects to ASQA's regulatory compliance activity was its approach to auditing providers and this too will be addressed in the review.
"Stories abound in the VET sector of audit reports that don't resemble the issues raised in the actual audit. ITECA has long argued for a more timely, consistent and transparent approach to AQSA's audit activity and it's great news that the revie w will focus on this too," Mr Williams said.
The work of ASQA is important to the independent tertiary education sector that supports more than 70% of the 4.1 million students undertaking a VET program.
