11/08/2011. The commencement of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has raised critique from the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) who remains critical of the reporting standards and the availability of such data.
ALSA is in strong support of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) legislation and new system of auditing quality and standards among law schools and recognizes that the establishment of this independent body to regulate higher education providers will guarantee healthy competition within the legal education sector.
“Quality assurance will ultimately achieve the best outcomes for students however questions are raised as to the reporting requirements of TEQSA,” ALSA Vice-President (Education) Aimee Riley said.
“It is noted the legislation requires TEQSA provide an annual report to the Minister for presentation to Parliament. ALSA’s position remains that comprehensive and frequent reporting on the outcome of all TEQSA audits should also be made publicly available.
“ALSA believes that this measure would assert the best interests of students by allowing them to make an informed decision when choosing their place of study. In this regard it appears, for now, ALSA’s submissions have been disregarded,” she said.
In a recent media release titled ‘New regulator to improve quality in higher education’ Minster for Tertiary Education Senator Chris Evans welcomed TEQSA. “This will provide the safeguards to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of quality,” Senator Evans said. The full media release can be viewed at
While ALSA believes this failure in reporting may have serious consequences for the future quality and transparency of law degrees, it none-the-less commends the opportunities to generate competition in the legal education market and guarantee quality education for all students arising from the Agency’s commencement.
ALSA looks forward to a new era of quality for higher education in Australia.
Media Contact: Aimee Riley
Vice-President (Education)
Australian Law Students’ Association
Email:
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