Thirty-five submissions received about proposed fees and charges

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) thanks those stakeholders in the vocational education and training (VET) sector who provided feedback during the recent public consultation regarding its proposed revisions to its fees and charges and cost structure for 2018.

Thirty-five submissions were received from registered training organisations (RTOs), course owners, peak bodies, and government stakeholders.

The majority of submissions were supportive of the revised schedule of fees and charges, which was designed to provide an additional incentive for training providers to maintain their compliance with the VET Quality Framework.

The proposed revisions would result in a reduction in many fees and charges from the current rates, reflecting efficiencies realised through ASQA’s upgraded business systems and improved processes.

Three key issues of concern were raised by different stakeholders - transparency of audit costs, the scale used in calculating the Annual Registration Charge and the validity of ASQA’s projected cost recovery.

ASQA has undertaken further work in these three areas and will present options to the Australian Government for consideration. A final schedule of fees and charges will be developed and presented to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Industry and Skills Council for approval.

Further information about the implementation of any revised fees and charges will be made available once finalised.