Welcome to the July Update
As we begin the new financial year, the Training Accreditation Council (TAC/Council) continues preparations for the commencement of the Registration Standards 2025 (2025 Standards) for RTOs who are regulated by the Council.
While the 2025 Standards officially commenced for the national VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) on 1 July, TAC regulated RTOs will continue to meet the 2015 Standards until amendments to the WA Regulations are finalised. The Council will ensure RTOs are notified as soon as the date is known.
The Council is actively working to prepare for the implementation of the 2025 Standards and encourages RTOs to continue to familiarise themselves with the 2025 Standards, the policy intent and the range of guidance materials available on the TAC website. Early engagement will help RTOs prepare for future changes and ensure a smoother transition when the time comes.
TAC Education Program
TAC Talks: Facilities, Resources and Equipment
This new podcast episode outlines how RTOs must ensure that all facilities, resources, and equipment used in VET are fit-for-purpose, safe, accessible, and sufficient, in alignment with Outcome Standard 1.8 of the 2025 Registration Standards.
TAC Event 2025 FAQ’s
At the TAC Event 2025 held in May, a number of questions were raised during the individual workshops that we didn’t have time to address on the day. We've compiled answers to these questions, which are now available on our website for the following workshops:
- Designing and Delivering Quality Training workshop
- Transitioning to the Registration Standards for RTOs 2025 workshop
Webinar Recordings:
View the TAC Education Program to access professional development opportunities, support and guidance materials and access previous webinar recordings and resources.
Updates to the Online Guidance Hub
Updated Fact Sheets
The following Fact Sheet, aligned with the 2025 Standards, are now available:
Facilities, Resources and Equipment
This Fact Sheet outlines how RTOs must ensure that all facilities, resources, and equipment used in VET are fit-for-purpose, safe, accessible, and sufficient, in alignment with Outcome Standard 1.8 of the 2025 Registration Standards
RTO Reporting: Annual Declaration - due 30 Sep 25
The Council’s Annual Declaration on Compliance for the 2024/2025 financial year is now open. RTOs have until 30 September 2025 to submit the declaration.
Clause 8.4 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 requires RTOs to provide the Council with an annual declaration on compliance.
The declaration is in relation to whether the RTO:
- currently meets the requirements of the Standards for RTOs across all its scope of registration and if not, action taken or planned to address the non-compliance, and
- has met the requirements of the Standards for RTOs for all Australian Qualifications Framework certification documentation issued in the last financial year.
- By submitting the annual declaration the RTO's Legally Responsible Person is confirming that:
- the RTO systematically monitors and evaluates training and assessment strategies and practices; and
- uses the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation to inform improvements in business and educational practice.
To commence the Annual Declaration on Compliance 2024/2025, please use the following link: AnnualDeclaration2024-2025. More information is available on the TAC Website - RTO Reporting Requirements.
Accredited Course Owner Survey - due 30 Sep 25
The Accredited Course Owner Survey for courses accredited by the Council is now open.
The purpose of this short survey is to confirm that accredited courses are being monitored and evaluated during the accreditation period as per the arrangements that were proposed in the accredited course document. This ensures courses remain current and relevant throughout the period of accreditation.
To commence the Council’s Accredited Course Owner Survey, please click on the following link: Monitoring and Evaluation of Accredited Courses 2025.
Focus on Quality Article: Facilities, Resources and Equipment
Outcome Standard 1.8 of the Registration Standards 2025 (2025 Standards) focuses on a critical aspect of quality training delivery: ensuring that facilities, resources and equipment are fit-for-purpose, safe, accessible, and sufficient for each training product offered.
The intent of this Outcome Standard is to guarantee that students have equitable access to the tools and environments they need to successfully complete their training and assessment. This includes both physical and digital learning environments, depending on the mode of delivery.
Key Requirements
RTOs must demonstrate how they identify the specific facilities, resources, and equipment required for each training product. This includes:
- Determining what will be provided directly by the RTO and what may be supplied by third parties.
- Ensuring that all facilities and equipment—whether owned or outsourced—are safe, suitable, and maintained.
- Providing students with consistent access to the necessary resources throughout their training.
Importantly, RTOs must also have documented strategies and procedures in place to manage risks associated with the use of these resources, particularly in work-integrated learning or placement settings. This includes working with employers to assess and mitigate risks, and having clear escalation pathways for reporting and managing safety concerns.
Influencing Factors
The adequacy of facilities and resources cannot be assessed in isolation. RTOs must consider a range of contextual factors, including:
- The specific requirements of the training product.
- Feedback from industry, employers, students, and staff.
- The diversity and needs of the student cohort.
- The number of students enrolled.
- The mode of delivery (e.g., face-to-face, online, blended).
For online or distance delivery, RTOs are still responsible for ensuring the digital learning environment is safe, accessible, and effective.
Self-Assurance and Continuous Improvement
To meet Outcome Standard 1.8, RTOs are encouraged to engage in reflective practice and self-assurance. This includes asking:
- Are our current facilities and resources sufficient for our student cohort?
- How do we ensure ongoing suitability and safety?
- Do all students have equitable access?
- How do we identify and manage risks, especially in external learning environments?
By regularly reviewing these questions, RTOs can identify areas for improvement and ensure they remain compliant while delivering high-quality training experiences.
Further information is available in the facilities, resources, and equipment Fact Sheet, Podcast and in Outcome 1.8 of the Online Guidance Hub.
Other important Updates
VET Data Streamlining Program Update
The Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), in partnership with the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), state and territory governments and sector regulators are working together to deliver the VET Data Streamlining (VDS) program.
There are 3 components to the Program:
- New VET Information Standard - Replacing Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS) 8.
- Student and Training Activity Reporting System (STARS) - A new system that supports the VET Information Standard. The system integrates with Student Management Systems (SMS), and is accessible by NCVER and government bodies, including VET sector regulators.
- Policy and Legislation Updates - Ensuring alignment with the new VET data standard and system, and enabling increased data submission frequency.
More information including timelines is available on the DEWR website.
Jobs and Skills Australia
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the following:
Consultation:
Reports:
- Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia - Phase 1 - 3 Jul
- Labour Market Update - March 2025 - 30 Jun
Latest NCVER Reports
NCVER has released the following new reports:
Print this page
