Inside the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA): Your 60‑Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)? We’ve scoured their latest annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know—from key functions and financials to the qualifications and skills they’re seeking. Whether you’re a school leaver or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you chart a path to a rewarding government career in Australia’s public sector.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Location: Australia-wide (largest presence in Brisbane, offices in multiple capital cities)
CEO: Saxon Rice
Total Revenue: AUD $64.095 million for departmental resourcing in 2023–24. This figure appears in ASQA’s Entity Resource Statement as the total of annual appropriations (ordinary and other services) made available for ASQA’s departmental use .
Note that of this, AUD $46.146 million was expended in 2023–24, leaving a remaining balance of AUD $17.949 million.
In addition, on an administered basis (fees and fines collected on behalf of the government), ASQA reported AUD $27.611 million in revenue in 2023–24 .
Total Number of Employees: 255 staff as at 30 June 2024 (excluding the CEO)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Public Administration (Certificate to Degree): Helps you understand government operations and policy frameworks for effective regulation and administrative tasks.
Law or Legal Studies (Diploma to Bachelor): Useful for interpreting legislation such as the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.
Business or Commerce (Diploma to Master): A strong foundation in finance, accounting, and project management supports regulatory and compliance functions.
Information Technology (Certificate to Degree): Vital for data analytics, digital transformation, and overseeing compliance systems.
Education or Training and Assessment (Cert IV to PhD): Offers insight into the vocational education landscape and helps in evaluating training quality.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment: Equips you with the skills to evaluate education standards effectively.
Certificate in Investigative Services: Useful for roles involving compliance monitoring and investigation into non-compliance.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Ensures efficient project delivery in regulatory initiatives.
Government Security (AGSVA Clearance or Similar): Important for handling sensitive data and official documents.
Leadership and Management Certifications: Demonstrate supervisory capabilities in a government setting.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Regulatory Compliance Officers: Specialize in maintaining and enforcing standards.
Data Analysts: Handle complex data sets to identify trends and risks in the VET sector.
IT Specialists: Manage digital systems for applications, provider registrations, and compliance monitoring.
Investigators: Conduct assessments and inquiries into potential breaches of legislation.
Financial Officers / Accountants: Oversee financial viability assessments and budgetary controls.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking: Crucial for interpreting legislative requirements and assessing provider compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement: Helps in liaising with government bodies, training providers, and the public.
Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in regulatory decisions and audit processes.
Communication and Report Writing: Vital for preparing clear, concise assessment reports and policy documents.
Problem-Solving: Essential for identifying and resolving regulatory or compliance issues swiftly.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Government Administration: Offers familiarity with public service processes and frameworks.
Compliance or Quality Assurance: Provides direct experience in upholding standards and regulations.
Education and Training Delivery: Builds insight into VET sector operations, training packages, and assessment standards.
Investigative or Law Enforcement Roles: Lends expertise in conducting inquiries and handling evidence.
Project or Program Management: Equips you to manage complex regulatory projects efficiently.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Name of CEO: Saxon Rice
Location: National presence across multiple states in Australia
Year Founded: 2011 (established under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
ASQA ensures quality vocational education and training so that students, industry, and the broader community can trust the integrity of national qualifications. For example, by closely monitoring Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), ASQA helps maintain consistent standards that benefit both learners and employers.Main duties of the department:
Register VET providers and accredit their courses
Monitor compliance and quality of VET services
Investigate complaints, tip-offs, and potential non-compliance issues
Take appropriate enforcement action to protect students and maintain sector integrity
Educate providers on regulatory best practices
By performing these duties, ASQA ensures students receive genuinely valuable and reputable qualifications that meet workforce needs.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Strengthening integrity in the VET sector via a dedicated Integrity Unit and Tip-off line
Modernizing digital systems to streamline provider registration and compliance activities
Collaboration with multiple government agencies to address threats and ensure high-quality outcomes
Continuous education and engagement to build provider capability in self-assurance and ongoing compliance
Did you know?
ASQA launched a Tip-Off line in October 2023 and received over 2,000 tip-offs within just nine months, significantly boosting the regulator’s ability to detect and respond to wrongdoing in the VET sector .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 255 staff (excluding the CEO) as at 30 June 2024
Total Number of Employees at each pay level:
APS (Australian Public Service) Levels 3–6
Executive Level (EL) 1–2
Senior Executive Service (SES) 1–2
Salary Bands: Ranging from around AUD $69,508 (APS 3) up to AUD $290,000 (SES 2)
Average salary in the department:
Not officially published, but employees typically fall within the APS classification structure, with the above bands indicating earning potential.Total Revenue (Departmental): AUD $64.095 million in 2023–24, according to ASQA’s Entity Resource Statement
Average Revenue per Employee:
Approximately AUD $251,349 (64.095 million ÷ 255 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT ASQA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration
Government (Investigation)
Training and Assessment
Project Management
Information Technology
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Legal Studies, or Criminology
Commerce, Finance, or Accounting
Public Policy or Public Administration
Cybersecurity or Data Science
Human Resources or Organisational Management
PhDs:
Policy Research or Regulatory Affairs
Data Analytics and Machine Learning
Education Management or Assessment Design
Law Reform and Administration
Public Sector Governance
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
IT Professionals (networking, software, and security)
Compliance and Investigation Specialists
Finance and Accounting Professionals
Administrative and Project Officers
Policy Officers with government backgrounds
These roles offer the technical or specialist expertise to maintain high standards and efficient processes across the department’s varied operations.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Prior experience in regulatory bodies or government agencies
Hands-on roles in audit or risk management
Education sector roles (e.g., RTO administration, VET teaching)
Analytical roles requiring data interpretation and reporting
Leadership and project coordination in complex environments
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills: Communication, collaboration, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, time management
Technical skills: Data analytics, investigative research, project management software, policy analysis, advanced MS Office proficiency
General skills: Adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, customer service
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Research and writing (e.g., blogging, technical writing)
Community volunteering or advocacy work (demonstrates public service ethos)
Tech-savviness (coding, cybersecurity clubs, open-source contribution)
Public speaking or debate clubs (sharpens communication skills)
Process improvement (e.g., Lean or Six Sigma interest)
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Mail: Director, Risk, Assurance & Evaluation, GPO Box 9928, Brisbane QLD 4001
Telephone: 1300 701 801
Email: CEO@asqa.gov.au
Website: www.asqa.gov.au
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