VET Sector Strategic Forum (VSSF)
Attendees
Australian Skills Quality Authority
Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Vidoshi Jana
Director, Continuous Improvement, Sharayne Given
Director, Policy and Education, Melinda Cox
Adult Learning Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Macaffer
Community Education Australia (CEA)
Chief Executive Officer, Russ Hawkins
English Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Ian Aird
Enterprise Registered Training Organisation Association
Executive Officer, Gabrielle Deschamps
Independent Higher Education Australia
Chief of Policy, Dr James Hart
Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Felix Pirie
National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance
Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Penehoe
TAFE Directors Australia
Executive Director, Policy and Governance, Dr Teressa Schmidt
The VSSF meeting was held on 28 January 2026 and chaired by ASQA’s Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice. It brought together senior representatives from peak VET sector organisations, including to welcome the National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance to the membership.
The meeting centred on the following areas of shared focus and discussion:
- ASQA’s cost recovery review, including key reforms to improve fairness, predictability and alignment between regulatory effort and fees
- sector use of artificial intelligence (AI), as it aligns to the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
- ASQA’s quality and integrity work program, including actions to strengthen confidence in VET qualifications
progress across the Smart Regulation program, including implementation of the 2025 Standards, maturing of the risk based differentiated regulatory approach, dual sector alignment and digital transformation initiatives - review of ASQA’s Service Standards to ensure they remain contemporary, improve clarity and support more timely and transparent regulatory interactions.
Cost Recovery Review
ASQA engaged members in discussion on the cost recovery review. The review is progressing to continuously improve ASQA’s transparent, modern and proportionate regulatory model. The updated approach reflects expanded regulatory functions, increased operational activity and changes in provider risk.
These changes ensure that fees and charges more accurately align with the actual regulatory effort required, to support fairness, clarity and long term sustainability while enabling providers to better plan for the cost of regulation.
ASQA acknowledged the group’s feedback on the cost recovery review, including questions around the rationale for differing charges for NVR and ESOS providers, the information required to ensure complete applications, and how charges, including the process for disputing charges, may be communicated to providers. The feedback highlighted several areas for ASQA’s consideration to include in future communications.
Sector use of AI
ASQA provided a project update on the Regulatory Use of AI, noting the rapid uptake of generative AI across the VET sector and its implications for quality and integrity. Early research shows providers commonly use AI for curriculum development, assessment design, administrative functions and learner support, with benefits such as efficiency gains, improved learning materials and more personalised pathways.
ASQA also outlined emerging risks, including academic integrity concerns, data privacy and security issues, inconsistent AI outputs and gaps in digital literacy.
ASQA is progressing work to establish a framework and principles for responsible AI use aligned with the 2025 Standards for RTOs, supported by stakeholder engagement and forthcoming sector guidance.
ASQA’s Quality and Integrity Work Program
ASQA’s quality and integrity programs continue to focus on the 2025-26 Regulatory Risk Priorities, with targeted risk treatment campaigns underway to maintain strong oversight of provider behaviour and safeguard confidence in VET qualifications. Since late 2024, regulatory action has resulted in the cancellation of 16 RTOs and, by 31 December 2025, the cancellation of qualifications and statements of attainment for more than 30,000 individuals.
This work reflects ASQA’s ongoing commitment to student protection and high quality training and assessment. Regulatory intelligence and recent sector activity is informing emerging areas of concern and reinforcing the integrity of qualifications while ensuring providers meet their obligations under the 2025 Standards.
Smart Regulation
ASQA provided an update on the Smart Regulation program, highlighting progress across 4 core elements of the regulatory reform agenda, including the implementation of the 2025 Standards and supported by revised assessment approaches, expanded sector engagement and quality uplift initiatives.
ASQA also outlined its ongoing maturing of its risk based, differentiated regulatory model to enable more targeted and proportionate supervision and engagement aligned with provider risk profiles.
Progress under the Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy was noted, focusing on streamlining processes, reducing administrative burden and strengthening governance for dual sector providers, alongside enhancements delivered through the Digital Transformation Program to modernise systems, improve data use and simplify provider interactions.
Service Standards
ASQA outlined its review of Service Standards to ensure they remain contemporary and reflect its modern regulatory approach and clearer service expectations. The updated Standards streamline processes, set new timeframes for registration, clarify complaint management and remove outdated requirements.
Members discussed how these changes will affect provider operations, especially registration notifications and funding arrangements.
ASQA acknowledged the feedback provided which would support broader clarity of communication to assist providers in understanding the practical application of the Service Standards. Additional clarification was circulated to members that provided feedback, following the meeting.
VET Sector Strategic Forum (VSSF)
Joint Communiqué
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Penny McKay
Adult Learning Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Macaffer
English Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Ian Aird
Enterprise Registered Training Organisation Association
President, Pamela Simon
Executive Officer, Gabrielle Deschamps
Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Felix Pirie
TAFE Directors Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Dodd
Invited Guest
Jobs and Skills Council CEOs
Chief Executive Officer, Brett Schimming (Build Skills Australia)
The VSSF convened on 29 July 2025, chaired by ASQA Chief Executive Officer Saxon Rice. The meeting brought together senior representatives from peak VET sector organisations.
The meeting achieved the following outcomes:
- sector feedback on the transition to the 2025 Standards for RTOs to inform ASQA’s ongoing
program of guidance and support - an outline and understanding of ASQA’s updated Regulatory Risk Priorities for 2025–26
- an initial outline of ASQA’s plan to revise its Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) in
2025-26 and the consultation that will inform that process - discussed ASQA’s approach to supporting productivity through regulatory reform, and
- strengthened collaboration and stakeholder engagement, including in relation to the opportunities for aligning VET sector strategies, minimising policy friction and continuing to consider key issues such as diversity, foundation skills and the consideration of AI in training product review.
2025 Standards for RTOs Implementation
ASQA provided an update on the implementation of the 2025 Standards, including insights from recent workshops and webinars. Feedback from providers indicated strong awareness and motivation to engage, as well as high rates of motivation to support the changes presented by the 2025 Standards. ASQA committed to ongoing engagement, including expanding Practice Guides with case studies, publishing FAQs and interpretive advice, monitoring implementation and sharing insights, refreshing the ASQA website and digital resources.
Regulatory Risk Priorities and Integrity Focus
ASQA outlined the 2025–26 Regulatory Risk Priorities, which focus on six deeply interconnected areas including, academic integrity, recognition of prior learning, shortened course durations, student work placements, delivery to overseas students, and non-genuine providers. It was acknowledged that while these priority areas don’t differ significantly from the current regulatory risk priorities, there is nuance to relation to the nature of some of these risks. ASQA continues to apply a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach to regulation, supported by initiatives such as an inspectorate program, independent validation of student assessment, and qualification integrity campaigns and will provide more information about these to all stakeholders shortly.
Cost Recovery Implementation Statement
ASQA outlined its phased approach to cost recovery and plans for consultation on a revised Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) in 2025-26 for implementation in 2026-27. The program aims to increase transparency and accountability, streamline operations through digital investment and collaborate with stakeholders to reduce unnecessary costs. Members discussed the importance of market entry controls and supported proposals for considering different options for the oversight of applicants new to VET delivery in order to mitigate risk.
ASQA’s support for Productivity and Regulatory Reform
The Chair shared and welcomed discussion ASQA’s intended response to the Government’s request for regulatory reform to support productivity growth. Key initiatives included reducing unnecessary administrative costs, enhancing flexibility and innovation through the 2025 Standards, implementation of a Dual Sector Strategy with TEQSA, enhancing ASQA’s targeted approach and regulatory effort, enhanced collaboration and information sharing and implementation of a digital transformation program. ASQA is also working closely with DEWR to identify opportunities to remove duplication and improve system efficiency.
Strategic Alignment and System Cohesion
The Chair welcomed Brett Schimming (Build Skills Australia on behalf of JSC CEOs) who opened a discussion on the opportunity for greater strategic alignment across the VET ecosystem to shape the future direction of VET, including as it relates to training product development and regulation. The group agreed that a more unified approach is needed to address challenges such as diversity, tertiary harmonisation, foundation skills, and closing the gap. There was strong support for ensuring conversations were not siloed and towards influencing system-wide reform. The increasing shift towards micro-credentials and away from formal national qualifications was noted as a key trend requiring further exploration.
Technology and AI in VET
Brett Schimming also discussed the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on education and training. Members highlighted the challenges posed by current training product approval processes and questions whether these were keeping pace with industry needs. The role of AI in reshaping education and the workforce was a recurring theme, with consideration given to upskilling educators in digital literacy and supporting lifelong learning. The Chair acknowledged the importance of integrating AI considerations into regulatory frameworks and committed to further engagement on this topic.
VET Sector Strategic Forum (VSSF)
Joint Communiqué
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice
A/g Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Fiona O’Brien
Adult Learning Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Macaffer
Community Education Australia
Board Chair, Bernadetta Mills
English Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Ian Aird (apology)
Enterprise Registered Training Organisation Association
President, Pamela Simon
Independent Higher Education Australia
Chief of Policy, Dr. James Hart
Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Felix Pirie
TAFE Directors Australia
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Dodd
Invited Attendees
Commonwealth Ombudsman
Senior Assistant Ombudsman, Justine Westerbeek
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
Managing Director, John King
Build Skills Australia – Jobs and Skills Councils (JSC)
Chief Executive Officer, Brett Schimming
ASQA held its first VSSF meeting on 10 April 2025. This Forum replaces ASQA’s ‘Provider Roundtable’ and the meeting was chaired by ASQA’s Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice.
The forum agreed on the Terms of Reference and discussed:
- training package design and the forward program of training package updates and reviews across all Jobs and Skills Councils
- efforts to support improved data submission to NCVER
- systemic themes in student complaints to the Commonwealth Ombudsman
- ASQA’s program to support sector readiness for the implementation of the revised Standards
- updates to ASQA’s service standards
- ASQA’s integrity program and
- opportunities for sector stewardship by members.
Qualification Development
JSCs are currently progressing training product reviews spanning 230 training products. Industry feedback drives these reviews to ensure training products are meeting contemporary skills needs. Members discussed the impact and cost that changes in training products can have on providers and the importance of being consulted early in training package design, with this feedback being provided to all JSCs.
ASQA and JSC CEOs have established a working group to support transition to new products and enable connection and co-ordination to minimise areas of impacts.
Data Collection and Submission
NCVER provided insights on ‘Total VET Activity’ (TVA) data and the work underway to improve both data collection and provision, including through the VET Data Streamlining Program. More timely submissions of data would better support policy reform considerations and proportionate risk-based regulation, including regulatory activity to address integrity threats to the sector. NCVER acknowledged that there can be transition challenges for providers to more frequent data submission and noted the support NCVER is providing to facilitate this, including for small providers, to support the work underway to enable more regular sharing of data between NCVER and ASQA.
Student complaints and feedback
Insights from students on their VET experience provides valuable intelligence and data to support reform considerations and improved regulation. The Commonwealth Ombudsman shared insights with members on themes coming through in complaints received, predominately from overseas students, reflected by the role the Commonwealth Ombudsman has in relation to this cohort of students. A significant percentage of complaints have centred on refund and fee disputes, with a smaller proportion focussed on cancellation of enrolment, course progress and requests to transfer to alternate providers. Complaints had also been received concerning provider closures and education agents.
Revised Standards for RTOs
The revised Standards present an opportunity for the sector and the regulator to move from a focus on prescriptive compliance to quality outcomes that reflect flexibility, innovation and the diversity of the sector. ASQA is committed to supporting provider readiness ahead of implementation on 1 July 2025 and ongoing support, post commencement. In return, it is ASQA’s expectation of providers that they review their operations holistically to self-assure against the revised Standards to identify any gaps along with opportunities for continuous improvement.
ASQA has published new draft Practice Guides and version 2 of previously released draft Practice Guides, which have incorporated feedback from stakeholders including individual providers, as well as updates following publishing of the revised Standards. ASQA will be testing its proposed assessment approach for the revised Standards through a pilot with five diverse providers, along with transition arrangements.
The Forum discussed the range of ASQA’s planned communication and engagement activities with the sector to support readiness ahead of the 1 July commencement. These include face to face and on-line information sessions, further Practice Guides, podcasts and case studies. Member organisations will also consider opportunities for deepening ASQA’s reach to providers through their communication mechanisms with their members.
Service Standards
ASQA regularly reviews its service standards alongside changes in its operating environment and has updated service standards with respect to initial registrations, registration renewals, compliance management activities and training product accreditation, to reflect the impact of significant reform and changes in the sector on ASQA’s regulatory effort and activity. ASQA will communicate these updates to all stakeholders and will undertake a full review of all service standards in coming months.
Qualifications Integrity
ASQA continues its focus on sector and qualifications integrity, including patterns of behaviour detected among non-genuine providers. Notwithstanding this focus, non-genuine providers are a small proportion of the sector, with the vast majority of providers committed to delivering quality training and assessment.
Members discussed the value of the Government’s investment in the tip-off line with over half of tip-offs received since its creation leading to actionable intelligence and further opportunities for ASQA to communicate anonymity as an option to overcome reluctance of some in the sector to report egregious behaviour.
As collective stewards of the sector, members discussed the opportunity to encourage their memberships to provide ASQA with any information that will support efforts to address integrity threats to the sector. Members supported ASQA’s efforts in this important program of work.
The next VSSF meeting is proposed for 29 July 2025.