This is a top theme right now after a long list of cancelled RTO registrations. “Show me how leadership actually knows and controls the organisation” List of areas analysed and key questions: 1. Governance in Practice How does the CEO know the RTO is compliant? 2. Risk Management How do you identify problems before ASQA does? 3. Self assurance Systems How do you test your systems to know they are working? 4. CEO Declaration Evidence How did th

One of the clearest emerging compliance risks for RTOs is assessment integrity — particularly in an AI-enabled environment. Increasing regulatory focus is moving toward: • AI-related assessment misconduct • authenticity of student evidence • observation-based assessment practices • and whether competency can genuinely be verified. Does your RTO assessment evidence demonstrate: ✔the learner completed the work themselves? ✔ the evidence is authentic and current ✔ observa

ASQA has already told the sector where they’re looking in 2026. Risk Area 1: Shortened Course Durations. One of the fastest ways is this: Running qualifications in timeframes unrealistic for the learner cohort. I continue to see this issue in audits and reviews — particularly where: • learners are new to the industry • the qualification is in a higher-risk sector • the course duration has been significantly shortened “fast tracked” • there is little evidence showing why