“ASQA does not provide consultancy services. As the regulator, ASQA cannot teach applicants specifically how to comply with the standards.”
For many years, RTO operators and VET professionals have accepted this statement from ASQA — and fair enough. They are a regulator, not a consultant, right? We understand that.
Years after ASQA’s formation, the RTO sector has continued to accept this approach. When an engaged and ethical RTO owner calls ASQA for guidance, genuinely trying to do things the right way, the answer often remains the same — “It’s up to you to interpret the standards.”
Because of this approach, some RTO owners have long felt forced to take a ‘trial and error’ path to compliance. As a result, rectifications have indirectly become their main source of learning, rather than proactive guidance that allows room to adapt and grow.
The problem isn’t entirely with this approach itself, but when combined with ASQA’s increasingly punitive regulatory actions — the stakes are now higher than ever for RTOs.
At ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS Services, we fully support regulation and ASQA’s intention to uplift the standard of Australia’s VET system. However, the real issue lies in how this regulation is applied.
The lack of clear, fair guidance from ASQA has become unsustainable for the private VET sector. Many RTOs — and their owners — are losing their livelihoods, their peace of mind, and in some cases, their entire financial future.
“If you think it means that, then that’s what it means.” – ASQA
One of our clients at ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS Services recently received this response from ASQA when seeking clarification about training delivery requirements under the National Code.
The ASQA representative simply read back the related clause and advised, “It means whatever you think it means.” No effort was made to provide clarity or confidence that the RTO’s approach would meet compliance expectations.
In today’s environment, where ASQA’s authority can often act as “judge, jury, and executioner,” such ambiguity places ethical RTOs at risk. If their interpretation differs from that of the next auditor, their organisation’s future could be jeopardised.
Many RTO owners who call ASQA daily, trying to ensure compliance, often find themselves relying only on their instincts — a risky and stressful way to run a business.
ASQA’s Approach
As RTO consultants, ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS Services fully supports ASQA’s mission to maintain quality and integrity across the VET sector. It’s crucial to eliminate unethical providers and ensure fair, high-standard training across Australia.
However, when regulatory support is limited, and harsh decisions are often final (unless challenged legally), the relationship between regulator and RTOs weakens. This breakdown not only harms ethical RTO operators but also reduces choice and quality for students.
While many RTOs seek help from consultants like us, not all can afford professional advice or legal counsel. This leaves smaller RTOs vulnerable, struggling to interpret complex standards without accessible, affordable guidance.
At ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS Services, we engage with ASQA regularly and have years of experience navigating audits, rectifications, and compliance processes. Through this, we’ve developed valuable insights into how ASQA — and individual auditors — interpret requirements.
Even though no consultant can guarantee audit outcomes, we can prepare RTOs effectively to meet expectations and minimise compliance risks.
The key question remains:
How can smaller, newer RTOs with limited experience stand a chance in today’s intense compliance environment without fair access to guidance and resources?
A Call for a Balanced Approach
Perhaps it’s time for ASQA to “step up”, not just “crack down” — to support RTOs with fair, consistent, and educational guidance.
Imagine a regulatory body that collaborates with the RTO community — one that helps lift the sector through education, mentorship, and clarity, rather than fear.
Until that day comes, at ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS Services, we believe the best thing we can do is to share our collective experiences — to help each other interpret, comply, and thrive within the VET community.
One day, we hope ASQA too will join us — not by punishing well-intentioned RTOs, but by helping to raise them up.
Wouldn’t it be incredible if ASQA became part of the community it regulates — inspiring positive change and genuine growth across the Australian VET landscape?
One day…
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