The Federal Government has announced new measures to combat ‘dodgy’ training providers who exploit international students.
As part of the crackdown, a new integrity unit will be established within the national VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), bolstered by a $37.8 million investment to ensure it is adequately equipped and has the technology and data matching capability to identify and respond proactively to unethical and potentially illegal activity.
The integrity unit will work in conjunction with Home Affairs, the Australian Federal Police and other Commonwealth and state law enforcement agencies to conduct compliance checks on high-risk providers – ensuring a safer VET sector for all students, both domestic and international.
A confidential VET tip-off line will also be established for current and former students, staff, and other potential whistle-blowers such as homestay hosts and employers of international students.
The tip-off line will provide a confidential avenue to anonymously report alleged serious noncompliance, such as inappropriate or fraudulent practices of training organisations, via phone or ASQA’s website.
Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training said the measures are aimed at stopping domestic and international students and graduates from being exploited by unscrupulous operators.
“We are working to weed out the minority of non-genuine VET providers, the bottom feeders, who seek to exploit people and traduce the integrity and reputation of the entire sector in the process,” said O’Connor.
Jason Clare, Minister for Education, said the newly announced boost to the VET regulator is an important next step in strengthening the integrity of Australia’s tertiary education sector.
“International students are back, but so are the shonks seeking to exploit them and undermine our international education system.”
Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs, said the actions aim to restore integrity to the international education and migration systems.
“Dodgy training providers have no place in VET, international education, and our migration system.”
These measures follow recommendations by the Migration Review and the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System, also known as the Nixon Review.
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