IHEA: Streamline Regulation for Dual Sector Providers

As part of its 2025 Federal Election Platform, Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) is calling on the next government to reduce red tape for dual sector education providers, by implementing a single regulatory model through the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Under current arrangements, providers delivering both vocational and higher education are required to maintain registration and submit duplicate reports to both TEQSA and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), creating an inefficient and duplicative system.

“Dual sector providers are doing the heavy lifting in delivering flexible learning pathways and meeting national skills needs, yet they are burdened by outdated and duplicated regulatory processes,” said IHEA CEO, the Hon Dr Peter Hendy.

IHEA is proposing a simple and practical reform: a single registration through TEQSA for dual sector providers as an interim step toward a joined up tertiary education sector regulator.

“We need to reduce the regulatory load on independent higher education providers that are already driving upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning in Australia,” Dr Hendy said. “Streamlining compliance requirements will enable providers to redirect resources towards strengthening educational offerings, thereby increasing tertiary participation and equipping Australians with the skills needed for the future workforce.”

IHEA also recommends aligning CRICOS registration processes for dual sector providers to streamline international student enrolments.

“Australia’s future workforce depends on a connected and responsive tertiary system. This reform supports that goal by removing outdated structural barriers,” Dr Hendy said.

“The Accord Final Report also called for a better connected tertiary education system. Enabling dual sector providers to operate under a single regulator is a logical, achievable first step,” Dr Hendy said.