Two deadlines extended due to COVID-19

18 March 2020

Message from Chief Commissioner and CEO, Saxon Rice

ASQA recognises that this is a difficult time for the sector and that the health of staff and students is a priority.

It is important that all providers are regularly checking the Department of Health website for the latest information on COVID-19, including what individuals and workplaces can do to minimise the spread of coronavirus and what steps should be taken in the event that someone is unwell.

ASQA is focused at this time on supporting providers to maintain quality of training and assessment and providing assurance of the outcomes of competency.

We are committed to a flexible approach to regulating the sector in the current environment and we acknowledge that challenges during this time will take many forms. ASQA is working with providers on a case-by-case basis to minimise the impact this situation has on both providers and students.

For your information, ASQA has also:

Some providers may be concerned about regulatory activity underway, requests by ASQA to provide information or possible future regulatory activity. We encourage any providers impacted by COVID-19 to contact us to discuss any adaptive measures being considered.

We are also aware of a number of providers who have concerns and questions relating to delivery and assessment of some practical aspects of courses, in particular in relation to work placements in the health, aged care and early childhood sectors. ASQA is currently working with the VRQA, TACWA, and SkillsIQ (on behalf of the relevant IRCs) to be able to provide further guidance on these questions shortly.

I commit to keeping you informed to the extent that the regulatory situation changes. Please also continue to check our website regularly for information on COVID-19, how we are responding and links to the most up-to-date information from the Departments of Health and Home Affairs, as well as TEQSA.

I reiterate that our thoughts are with those affected, and we are prepared to support providers to manage both the health risks and any compliance concerns effectively.