A new national VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), commenced operations today, 1 July 2011. With the exception of Victoria and Western Australia, the State Regulatory bodies have been or will shortly be replaced by the ASQA.  This will allow for a more nationally consistent approach to the VET industry.

This change is intended to provide greater national consistency and increased focus on the way Registered Training Providers (RTO’s) are registered, courses are accredited, and how the quality of the system is monitored.

The establishment of a National VET Regulator is intended to provide a clear line of accountability and responsibility for the quality of vocational education and training throughout Australia and provide a streamlined and coordinated response to emerging quality issues.

ASQA will now be responsible for all regulatory requirements including, accreditation of courses, additions to scope, accreditation and re-accreditation of RTOs, auditing and compliance of the VET industry and governance of the VET Quality Frameworks systems.

After 21 years of operation the Vocational Training and Accreditation Board (VETAB) ceased operations on the 30th June 2011. At the same time the Board itself was abolished. Risk Response + Rescue is now regulated by the ASQA.