VET regulator suspends registration of two Melbourne-based training providers

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has today taken a decision to immediately suspend the registration of two Melbourne-based registered training organisations (RTOs) after a company director of each was charged with various offences following the resolution of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation.

ASQA – the national regulator for the vocational education and training – suspended the registration of St Stephen Institute of Technology (RTO 22336) and Symbiosis Institute of Technical Education (RTO 22331).

“ASQA has been assisting the AFP with its investigation – Operation Aristotle – into individuals who either own or are high managerial agents with these RTOs,” ASQA Chief Commissioner Chris Robinson said.

“Following the laying of charges against the individuals by the AFP, ASQA has taken regulatory action under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 to suspend the providers’ registration.

“The suspension of the providers’ registration means they must cease all training and assessment activity; they cannot enrol any new students; they cannot advertise or promote any training courses; and they cannot issue any vocational qualifications or statements of attainment.”

Mr Robinson said ASQA would continue to work with the AFP and take further regulatory action as required.