ASQA SHB Transition Extension - FOI Drop #9

On Friday 28 October 2022, around 6 weeks before the transition period for SHB training products was about to expire, ASQA wrote to VET Providers with SHB products on scope to seek feedback on a proposed extension.

In that communication, ASQA wrote:

"Information relating to further extension of the end date for training products in the SHB Beauty Training Package and support from the Personal Services IRC has recently been published by Skills IQ on its website."

What would providers take from that communication?

Perhaps an initial impression that the Personal Services IRC - the national industry representation - supports the extension?

Here is ASQA's communication in full.

Here's what the Skills IQ Personal Services IRC actually thought.

The IRC had repeatedly told ASQA it did not support a blanket extension.

8 July - Here is the IRC telling ASQA it would not support the decision.

In this same email above, the IRC is clearly confirming it has reiterated its decision.

It has already told ASQA No.

26 September - Here it is again, the Personal Services telling ASQA No for at least the third time.

On what basis - in its communication to VET Providers on 28 October - did ASQA claim that there was "support" from the IRC?

The IRC had said No at least three times.

Why is ASQA so keen to encourage feedback from providers regarding a 'last minute' extension?

• At the time of the communication, ASQA had received just formal applications for extension, from just four (4) VET providers, in the preceding 10 months of transition period. Four.

Why was this an issue demanding such ASQA attention?

Why is ASQA ignoring clear, direct, repeated advice from the national Industry Reference Committee?

Was ASQA's communication on 28 October clear? Accurate?

Or was there the potential that some providers would be misled by the communication?

Maybe the Personal Services IRC changed its view?

No.

Here it is again, 29 November 2022 - a month after ASQA's communication to providers. Still saying it would not support any further extension to transition.