ASQA welcomes proposed new governance structure

ASQA welcomes the new governance arrangements proposed for the agency in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Governance and Other Matters) Bill 2020 introduced into Parliament today.

The Bill sets out a structure that replaces commissioners with a single chief executive officer, supported by enhanced internal senior executive capacity. It also introduces an advisory council comprising experts from regulatory practice, sector and business engagement, and education and training.

“The model represents a significant shift and step forward for ASQA, and will support the agency to continuously improve as a regulator while maintaining independence with respect to regulatory decision-making,” said ASQA Chief Commissioner Saxon Rice.

This Bill supports other proposed legislation being considered by Parliament that focuses on improving the transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of ASQA, responding to the recommendations from the 2018 Braithwaite Review and the 2019 Joyce Review.

Additional legislative changes are anticipated in response to other aspects of the Braithwaite Review and further outcomes from an independent review of ASQA, once complete.

“This is truly an exciting time for the agency’s continued evolution as we move to expand our educative role, evolve our regulatory model and improve communication and transparency,” said Ms Rice.