Australia's TEQSA unveils new risk framework for higher education compliance
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is seeking feedback on a proposed Regulatory Risk Framework (RRF), launching a consultation process at last Thursday's TEQSA Talks webinar, the first for 2026.
The consultation process was launched via a pre-recorded message from Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jen Bahen, who is currently in Manila leading a knowledge exchange program with the Philippines higher education regulator, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The visit forms part of TEQSA's government-to-government partnership program with Southeast Asia.
TEQSA's RRF outlines how the requirements of the Threshold Standards and the ESOS National Code translate into regulatory outcomes, and identifies the key risks to achieving these outcomes. TEQSA will use the framework to monitor how effectively individual providers' risk management and quality assurance activities align with, and support, these outcomes.
The consultation paper poses six questions for respondents and emphasises that, among other things, the RRF does not create new regulatory requirements.
Transnational Education
On transnational education (TNE), TEQSA is seeing both growth and increasing complexity, with some providers having long standing operations while others are developing new activities in this space. The regulatory context is becoming more complex, Russell said.
"TEQSA needs to, and expects to, maintain good visibility of these activities wherever they occur," said Russell.
Russell also said that 57 providers had applied for transition under the new legislative arrangements following passage of the Education Legislation Amendment Bill at the end of 2025, which amended the TEQSA Act to require higher education providers to be authorised to deliver TNE.
TEQSA is working with regulatory counterparts in key TNE markets to understand the risks and requirements that can "support and assure quality delivery", she said.
Antisemitism and Racism
In her address, TEQSA CEO Dr Mary Russell discussed the issue of antisemitism and TEQSA's participation in the Antisemitism Taskforce, led by David Gonski. In this context, and in light of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism, she also referred to the review of the Threshold Standards on the potential inclusion of a new standard relating to racism (TKN 050326).
" The message here is clear. Antisemitism and other forms of racism need to be both prevented and responded to when they occur in higher education. This is not peripheral to quality. It is integral to it," Russell said.
Student Advisory Panel
TEQSA will be calling for expressions of interest for a new student advisory panel of 8-10 students from public and independent providers. When asked during Q&A whether the panel would include international students, Russell did not confirm, noting only that TEQSA would seek a diversity of representation.
Consultation on the RRF closes on Thursday, 30 April 2026. The draft consultation paper is available on TEQSA's website.
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