The Albanese Government announced today it will strengthen the powers of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
TEQSA was created nearly 15 years ago to regulate the quality of higher education providers in Australia.
TEQSA can currently cancel the registration of a university, impose conditions on registration or accreditation, apply to a court to seek fines, or publish statements of expectation. These powers have not significantly changed since TEQSA was created.
In the next few weeks, the Government will release a consultation paper on how we should modernise and strengthen TEQSA's powers to better meet the standards students, staff and the community expect of our universities.
The paper will focus on areas for potential amendments of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act). This includes:
- A regulatory system that puts students first;
- A modern regulator with powers to address emerging and systemic challenges;
- Opportunities to streamline regulation for universities and other higher education providers, so they can focus on teaching and learning; and
- A system that supports a joined up tertiary system, helping more Australians get the skills and qualifications they need.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"TEQSA's powers haven't really changed since it was created. Now is the time to look at this.
"At the moment TEQSA has a sledgehammer and a feather, and not much in-between.
"There is a good argument that TEQSA needs better tools to be able to step in and act when it's justified in the public interest.
"And to be able to respond to systemic risks, not just the compliance of individual providers.
Quotes attributable to Dr Mary Russell, Chief Executive Officer TEQSA:
"Governance failures, risks to student safety and wellbeing, questions of financial viability, and the impact of new technologies on student outcomes point to the need for a legislative framework that better supports TEQSA's ability to respond quickly and proportionately to emerging, systemic, and acute risks.
"Fourteen years after TEQSA's establishment, the sector is larger, more interconnected, and more exposed to emerging and systemic risks. This consultation process will help ensure our legislation reflects those realities, supports independent and effective regulation, and enables us to work in partnership with other national bodies to maintain confidence in Australian higher education."
Quotes attributable to Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, Chief Commissioner TEQSA:
"The TEQSA Commission and I welcome the Minister's announcement and the government's focus on strengthening TEQSA's legislative powers. This is a clear commitment to ensuring Australia has a regulator that is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving higher education sector.
"The TEQSA Commission and I are fully supportive of the government's agenda to equip TEQSA with the powers it needs to address emerging, systemic, and acute risks. This consultation is an important and timely step towards a stronger higher education system that delivers on the government's priorities and maintains the confidence of students, providers, and the Australian community."
