Welcome to the May TAC Update
As the number of RTOs experiencing audits against the Registration Standards 2025 (2025 Standards) steadily increases, there is a clear shift from transition to the demonstration of implementation and practice. The focus is no longer solely on understanding the requirements of the 2025 Standards, but on demonstrating how they are embedded in training, assessment and governance practices. In this context, audit readiness is closely linked to strong self‑assurance processes and continuous improvement.
The Council continues to support RTOs during this phase by providing clear, practical guidance and resources to help RTOs understand the requirements of the 2025 Standards and demonstrate quality practice. This guidance includes preparing for a site or hybrid audit, TAC Fact Sheets and the TAC Registration Standards 2025 Hub. In addition, the Council has extended the timeframe from 20 to 30 working days, for an RTO to provide further evidence where they are found non-compliant at audit, except where serious risks to students or safety are identified. The extended timeframe will be reviewed at the of 2026.
Together, these measures support RTOs to approach audits with confidence, while maintaining a focus on quality, consistency and continuous improvement.
TAC Education Program
Upcoming Events:
Register now for upcoming events. You can also be alerted to new events by following Event Page on Humanitix.
TAC 2026 Roadshows:
TAC-registered RTOs in the South Hedland or Bunbury areas are invited to attend the TAC 2026 Roadshow. Secure your spot now.
Each free event includes the following sessions:
- Delivering Quality Training that Supports Student Progression;
- Reasonable Adjustment vs Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing; and
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Webinar Recordings:
View the TAC Education Program to access professional development opportunities, support and guidance materials and access previous webinar recordings and resources.
Focus on Quality Article: Assessment in the Workplace
Workplace assessment plays an important role in supporting the authentic demonstration of competence in VET. The 2025 Standards provide clear expectations for quality workplace assessment.
Outcome Standard 1.3 requires RTOs to ensure that assessment systems, tools and practices are aligned with the requirements of the training product and are fit for purpose. This includes ensuring assessment tools are reviewed prior to use to enable the collection of sufficient and relevant evidence to support consistent and reliable assessment judgements.
For workplace assessment, this means RTOs must demonstrate that assessment tools and approaches are designed to capture evidence from real work environments that align with training product requirements and support sound assessment decisions.
Outcome Standard 1.4 requires assessment to be conducted in accordance with the Principles of Assessment (valid, reliable, fair and flexible) and the Rules of Evidence (valid, sufficient, authentic and current).
In workplace settings, this means RTOs must ensure students have opportunities to demonstrate competence across the required tasks and contexts, and that the evidence gathered is sufficient to support consistent judgements of performance. Where workplace opportunities are limited or variable, assessors should identify gaps early and implement appropriate strategies, such as supplementary evidence or additional assessment activities.
Third‑party evidence may contribute to the evidence but must align with the Rules of Evidence and be verified by the assessor. While supervisors or workplace mentors can provide valuable input, responsibility for assessment decisions remain with the RTO. Assessors must ensure third parties understand the required Standards and how to report evidence appropriately.
Outcome Standard 1.5 specifies requirements for validation. Validation processes should systematically review assessment practices, tools, evidence and judgements to ensure they are consistent, compliant and support valid assessment outcomes. For workplace assessment, this could include reviewing samples of workplace evidence and assessor decisions to confirm that assessment judgements are robust and defensible.
As RTOs continue to implement the 2025 Standards, effective workplace assessment remains a key opportunity to demonstrate quality, rigour and confidence in assessment outcomes.
More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Assessing in the Workplace and the guidance on Outcome Standards 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 on the TAC Registration Standards 2025 Hub.
Update to Course Accreditation Application Forms
As part of its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, the Council has endorsed new TAC Course Accreditation Application forms for course owners. The new forms come into effect from 1 July 2026.
The forms have been reformatted for ease of use and include a new national occupational classification code, the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in December 2024. The OSCA is being implemented across government agencies and replaces the existing ANZSCO and/or ASCO codes.
All new forms and guides are available on the Course Accreditation Application forms page of the TAC website. Course Owners are encouraged to attend, or watch the recording of, the The Course Accreditation Process Webinar scheduled for Fri 19th Jun 2026, 10:30 am AWST.
Other Important Updates
Australian Government Jurisdictional Action Plan 2025—2026 Update
The Australian Government Jurisdictional Action Plan 2025—2026 Update details progress made to deliver on the shared outcomes and priorities articulated in the National Skills Agreement (NSA) and the National Skills Plan. The 2025—2026 annual review reflects the actions and ambitions to deliver on the national priorities, as well as new focus areas in the skills and education landscape.
The update:
- Provides information on Australian Government investment, actions, programs and ambitions to advance the goals of the NSA and the National Skills Plan.
- Explains how the Australian Government will address national priorities and deliver on outcomes.
- Supports shared stewardship, transparency and accountability.
- Establishes an annual cycle of planning and review with future iterations to be informed by stakeholder engagement and evidence-based evaluation.
Training Occupation Pathways Dataset
The Training Occupation Pathways (TOP) dataset developed by Jobs and Skills Australia provides a data‑driven view of how VET qualifications align to occupations. For RTOs, the dataset can support clearer communication with students about training pathways, strengthen engagement with industry, inform decisions about course relevance and progression, and provide useful insights into how training relates to labour market needs.
More information and access to the dataset are available on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
ATEC - Statement of Strategic Priorities
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) commenced work in early 2026, marking the beginning of a more coordinated approach to stewardship across Australia’s tertiary education system. The ATEC’s initial Statement of Strategic Priorities is directed at higher education, focusing on quality teaching, equity, First Nations participation, and better alignment with national, state and regional skills needs
The Statement of Strategic Priorities is available on the ATEC website.
Canvas Cyber Incident
RTOs should be aware of a recent global cyber incident involving the Canvas learning management system, widely used across education and training providers, including in Australia. The breach involved the unauthorised access and theft of user data such as student IDs, email addresses and messages.
RTOs using Canvas should review their cyber security practices, remain alert to any suspicious activity or communications, and follow updates from Instructure and the Australian Cyber Security Centre for the latest advice and recommended actions.
Early Childhood Education and Care: Child Safety Training Requirements
From 27 February 2026, mandatory child safety and protection training applies to people involved in education and care services regulated under the Early Childhood Education and Care National Quality Framework (NQF), including students undertaking placements.
Further information, including jurisdiction‑specific requirements and approved training, is available on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website.
Free copyright webinars for publicly funded private RTOs in WA
Registrations for the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s (DTWD) semester 1 copyright webinars are now open. The free webinars provide the tools and information to enable private RTOs in WA to meet their copyright obligations under the Copyright Act 1968.
Copyright compliance online: Best practices for the digital classroom – Thursday
11 June, 12-1pm. This webinar provides tools and knowledge for private RTOs to create and use copyright-compliant resources in a digital classroom. Register here
Any questions, please contact sectorcapability.ip@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
Jobs and Skills Australia
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the following reports:
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