The changes proposed in the bill include creating new quality standards so any problems with VET providers or courses can be addressed. Furthermore, it extends the registered training organisation (RTO) registration period to seven years, instead of five, which therefore enables the Australian Skills Quality Authority  to act on high-risk or lower quality providers.

It also requires that anyone marketing a VET course needs to identify which RTO is providing the qualification.

“The Bill sends a clear signal that, when required, the Australian government will take strong action against those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable students and taxpayers,” said Senator Birmingham, the assistant minister for education and training.

“Passage of this legislation will enable the Australian government to consult with employers, training providers and state and territory governments to deliver a new condition of registration to address the specific quality concern within weeks, providing better protection for students.”

“This is the start of the process and more will need to be done”

The Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) is backing the legislation that was put to the Australian government last week.

Rod Camm, the chief executive of ACPET, says that requiring the RTO to be registered is something that the students have a right to know. “This is good practice,” he told The PIE News. “It is important that students know who they are entering an arrangement with.”

ACPET has previously been advocating for change in the VET sector: “We have been arguing for action for some time,” said Camm. “This is the start of the process and more will need to be done.”

In 2014, international enrolments at VET providers accounted for one quarter of total enrolments across all sectors in Australia. Enrolments and commencements in VET increased by 11.7% and 20.1% respectively on 2013 while India had the largest share of total enrolments (18.8%) and of total commencements (17.7%).

The announcement of a new National Complaints Training Hotline will see issues and concerns from students or employers being responded to quicker than before

This proposed policy change comes after news that millions of Australian dollars have been overpaid in the VET Fee-Help scheme, which was extended in 2009. A total of $60m has been overpaid since then to the end of the 2013 financial year, which has been attributed to the amount of subsidies being provided for certificate-level qualifications.

Improved data reporting is one of the many reforms currently being made in the VET sector, along with $68m being given to ASQA and new trade support loans.

In addition, the announcement of a new National Complaints Training Hotline will see issues and concerns from students or employers being responded to quicker than before. ACPET previously emphasised the need for a national consumer complaints platform.

“These measures are necessary to protect both students and colleges from the harmful impacts of a small number of poor quality providers who undermine the integrity of the entire system,” said Camm.

“After a necessary and welcome period of consultation by the government, I think we can all agree these reforms are urgent, and must be passed as soon as is practicable.”