Consultation

Review of fees and charges, 2013

ASQA was established as a cost recovery agency in accordance with a decision made by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines require that agencies conduct regular reviews to ensure that appropriate cost recovery is occurring.

ASQA has undertaken a review of fees and charges utilising financial and activity data from its first year of operations. The review took into account additional funding that was provided in the 2012–13 Commonwealth Budget and increased cost recovery requirements. The results of the review revealed that ASQA’s current fees and charges are not recovering the costs of regulatory activity.

A revised schedule of fees and charges has been developed for implementation from 1 July 2013 in order to meet cost recovery requirements. The proposed changes are explained in ASQA’s 2013 Cost Recovery Impact Statement—Exposure Draft.

Consultation

ASQA has released the 2013 Cost Recovery Impact Statement—Exposure Draft for public comment. The statement includes an explanation of the proposed fees and charges and demonstrates that ASQA’s cost recovery arrangements comply with the Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines. A summary of the proposed fees and charges is included in Appendix 1.

This statement can be read in conjunction with the statement released for the establishment of ASQA’s current fees and charges (the 2011 Cost Recovery Impact Statement). See Previous consultations for more information on the 2011 Cost Recovery Impact Statement.

ASQA invites written submissions in response to the proposed fees and charges. Submissions can be made using the online submission form between Tuesday 12 March–Tuesday 9 April.

ASQA is engaging directly with training provider peak bodies about the proposed fees and charges. You may wish to provide feedback through your relevant peak body.

Please note that the proposed fees and charges in this statement are subject to further review as new information and data becomes available and following the review of submissions.

Guidelines on making a submission

ASQA is interested in receiving feedback on the:

  • design of ASQA’s proposed fees and charges
  • clarity of ASQA’s proposed fees and charges
  • impact of the proposed fees and charges on the sector.

Making a submission

Submissions are to be made through the online submission form.

Please note when using the form:

  • You can make your submission in an open text field on the form. This has a 1000 word limit and cannot be saved.
  • Alternatively, you can attach a Word or PDF submission document to the form. Only one document can be attached.
  • You may make an anonymous submission. However, you are required to complete the sections of the form regarding the type of organisation you represent and the state or territory from which you are writing.
  • If you choose to provide your email address, a copy of your submission will be forwarded to you with a confirmation of receipt.
  • You will not receive an individual response to your submission.

If you have trouble using the feedback form, please contact the ASQA Info line. Alternatively, you may or post your feedback to:

Consultation on fees and charges
Australian Skills Quality Authority
GPO Box 9928
Melbourne VIC 3001

What is cost recovery?

‘Cost-recovery’ means that ASQA must recover the costs of performing regulatory activity through its fees and charges. Cost recovery broadly encompasses fees and charges related to the provision of government goods and services (including regulation) to the private and other sectors of the economy.

Cost recovery must follow the Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines. These guidelines require that a cost recovery impact statement be prepared when significant changes are proposed to an existing cost recovery arrangement.

More information on cost recovery can be found on the Department of Finance and Regulation website.

How are ASQA’s fees and charges approved?

Following the consultation:

  • ASQA will review the submissions received and any additional information and data to determine if changes will be made to the proposed fees and charges.
  • A summary of submissions and an explanation of any changes will be included in the final 2013 Cost Recovery Impact Statement.
  • Agreement on the final fees and charges will be sought from the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.
  • The Minister will seek final agreement from the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE) and the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) of Cabinet.
  • The approved fees and charges and final 2013 Cost Recovery Impact Statement will be published on the ASQA website.
  • The new fees and charges will be established as a legislative instrument.
  • The new fees and charges will apply from the approved date (which is proposed to be 1 July 2013).