We extend our thanks to everyone who attended the TAC event: The Next Chapter: Insights into the 2025 Standards on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
We appreciate the participation of our stakeholders at this event, and hope the discussions and presentations provided valuable insights to assist RTOs in transitioning to the Registration Standards for RTOs 2025 (2025 Standards). Recordings of the presentations delivered at this event will be available on the TAC website in coming weeks.
During this event, the Council Chairperson Anne Driscoll announced some of the key developments being implemented in relation to the 2025 Standards.
To implement the 2025 Standards in WA, amendments to the WA Regulations are required. The process could not commence until the Commonwealth Instruments to create the 2025 Standards were finalised in March 2025.
As the Commonwealth Instruments use terms and legislative references that only apply to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the RTOs it regulates, we need to make it clear the 2025 Standards also apply to TAC registered RTOs and that they can be implemented and regulated against under WA legislation; retain some existing requirements that aren’t now covered in the Standards; and meet WA government drafting rules. This means changes to WA Regulations to implement the 2025 Standards are a little more complex than for the 2015 Standards.
The actual commencement date for the WA Regulations is dependant on finalisation of drafting (which is well underway) and approval processes. This is planned to be advanced as quickly as possible.
We will advise the date of commencement as soon as we know. The new WA Regulations will be made available to you in advance so that you have time to properly review, prior to the actual commencement date of the new Standards in WA.
The content and requirements of the Commonwealth Instruments that detail the 2025 Standards will apply to TAC registered RTOs with some adjustments for WA circumstances. Therefore, TAC registered RTOs can confidently prepare for implementation using the policy information available on the TAC Online Guidance Hub. As mentioned there will be some drafting adjustments to recognise WA circumstances, but the essence of the 2025 Standards is as you see them federally.
Proposed Transition Period for RTO Registration
To assist with the implementation of the 2025 Standards, the Council’s intent and the draft Regulations is that there will be transition arrangements in place.
Specifically, it is proposed that RTOs, will be able to be compliant, either with the 2015 Standards or the 2025 Standards, during the first three months after the commencement date of the new WA Regulations. This means if you are still doing adjustments to your operating arrangements at the commencement date of the WA Regulations you will still have three months to finalise things.
What is key, is that after the three month transition period, your RTO’s registration needs to be compliant with the new 2025 Standards.
The TAC will also limit audits it initiates during the three month transition period, unless there is a serious issue or time limitation. If an audit is initiated by TAC during the three month transition period, it will be against the 2015 Standards.
Proposed Transition Arrangements for Applications
During the first three months after the commencement of the 2025 Standards, the intent is that RTOs will be able to lodge applications against either the 2015 Standards or the 2025 Standards.
Arrangements for applications now and after commencement are as follows:
- For applications (Renewals/Initials/Amendments) received prior to the commencement date they must be on the 2015 Standards Application Form and will be assessed and decisions made against the 2015 Standards.
- During the three month transition period, applications can be lodged using either the 2015 Standards or the 2025 Standards Application Form and will be assessed and decisions made against the Standards they were lodged against.
- Although you can still lodge against the 2015 Standards during this period, RTOs are encouraged to apply under the 2025 Standards if they are able, as this is what we are moving towards.
Rectification Period
For the first six months of implementation, the timeframe for rectification of non-compliances at main audit is extended to 30 days. The only exception to this would be where there’s a particularly serious issue that puts students or safety at risk.
We will continue to update you on the progress of the WA Regulations over coming weeks and confirm dates as soon as we can.
TAC is committed to supporting you during this time of change. Please consider signing up to the TAC Update and LinkedIn for notifications on new Fact Sheets, webinars and updates to the Online Guidance Hub.
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