ASQA Deputy Chief Commissioner to retire

Dr Dianne Orr has announced that she will retire from her statutory office as Commissioner with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) next month.

Dr Orr, who is the authority’s Deputy Chief Commissioner and Commissioner, Regulatory Operations, has been with ASQA since it was formally established on 1 July, 2011 and before that was a member of the national taskforce charged with implementing national regulation of the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

“With more than 36 years in the Queensland and Commonwealth public service as a teacher, administrator and regulator in the VET system, Di is held in very high regard across Australia,” ASQA Chief Commissioner Chris Robinson said.

“Her experience and qualifications have contributed to ASQA’s success in more ways than I can adequately describe.

“Our organisation is stronger and better for Di’s commitment to national regulation and the establishment of ASQA.”

Dr Orr has over ten years’ experience in VET regulation, and previously held executive and senior policy positions in the Queensland Department of Education and Training (2005–2011) and the Australian National Training Authority (1999–2005).

She was also a member of the National Quality Council, the predecessor to the National Skills Standards Council (2006–2008). She also has had extensive experience as a teacher and administrator in the VET system.

“I am immensely proud to have played a role in the move to national regulation of VET and have seen the many benefits this has brought,” Dr Orr said.

“However, the time has come to step back and spend more time with my family and try new things.”

The Australian Government Department of Education and Training will manage the process of recruiting another Commissioner.