- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, today announced the Government will conduct an international search for a new Chief Commissioner for the vocational education and training regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
Minister Andrews said the new appointment would flag a significant step in reforming the sector and rebuilding confidence.
“Vocational education and training has not always measured up to community expectations.
“While there are outstanding registered training providers working hard to successfully skill Australians for real jobs, others have clearly let down students, industry and the sector’s overall reputation.”
Minister Andrews said the role of the ASQA Chief Commissioner was to help restore full confidence in all vocational education and training delivered by Australian registered training organisations (RTOs).
She said the new Chief Commissioner would work with the Government on a progressive program of reforms.
“We will hold an exhaustive search for the new Chief Commissioner in Australia and overseas, and I expect to announce an appointment later this year,” Minister Andrews said.
She said the Government will be looking for a candidate with rigor and judgement, a background in regulation of quality, but not necessarily in VET. They will also have legislative experience and the energy to support wide-ranging reform.
“A high-performing ASQA is fundamental to a high quality, diverse VET system that equips people with the skills they need for jobs, and that employers seek to help grow their business and create more opportunities,” she said.
The new Chief Commissioner will replace Mr Christopher Robinson whose term expires on 31 December this year.
“I congratulate Mr Robinson, who has led ASQA through its first five years of operation.
“This has included the regulation of more than 4000 RTOs and the implementation of new national standards in 2015,” Minister Andrews said.
ASQA is an independent statutory authority and has three Commissioners.