Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification Act 2003

Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification Act 2003

An Act to create the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification, to provide for the development and management of qualification processes, to abolish certain qualifications bodies, to repeal the Universities Registration Act 1995 and related Acts, to amend certain Acts and for related purposes

[The long title Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 4, Applied:29 May 2015]

Be it enacted by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, in Parliament assembled, as follows:

PART 1 - Preliminary

1.   Short title

[Section 1 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 5, Applied:29 May 2015] This Act may be cited as the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification Act 2003 .

2.   Commencement

This Act commences on a day to be proclaimed.

3.   Interpretation

(1)  In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] accredited course means an accredited senior secondary course, accredited higher education course or accredited other education course;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] accredited education program means an education program that is accredited under section 55ZU ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] accredited higher education course means a course that is accredited under section 36 or by a self-accrediting higher education provider;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] accredited other education course means a course that is accredited under section 55ZI ;

accredited senior secondary course means a course that has been accredited under section 26 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] accredited training course has the same meaning as "VET course" in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 of the Commonwealth;

amend includes –

(a) omit matter; and

(b) insert or add matter; and

(c) omit matter and substitute other matter;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] approval certificate means an approval certificate issued under section 55D ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] approved overseas higher education course means a higher education course approved under section 55B(5)(b) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] approved overseas higher education provider means an overseas higher education institution approved under section 55B(1)(a) as an approved overseas higher education provider;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] approved overseas higher education qualification means a qualification approved under section 55B(5)(c) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] approved qualification means –

(a) a qualification for an accredited senior secondary course determined under section 26(4)(b) ; or

(b) a qualification for an examination or assessment of senior secondary education determined under section 33C(b) ; or

(c) a higher education award for an accredited higher education course determined under section 36(3) ; or

(d) a qualification for an approved overseas higher education course approved under section 55B(5)(c) ; or

(e) a qualification for a higher education course provided by a self-accrediting higher education provider determined by that provider under section 55Z ; or

(f) a qualification for an accredited other education course determined under section 55ZI(3) ; or

(g) a qualification for an examination or assessment of other education determined under section 55ZR(b) ; or

(h) a qualification for an accredited education program determined under section 55ZU(5) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] assessment recommendation means the recommendation made under section 55ZZR by the Office to the Minister as to whether it is appropriate to establish a new university;

Australian Accounting Standards means Statements of Accounting Standards issued jointly by the National Councils of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia or their successors;

Australian Qualifications Framework means the policy of that name, defining all qualifications recognised nationally in post-compulsory education and training within Australia, endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs so as to commence on 12 January 1995, as amended from time to time;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012]

Australian university has the same meaning as in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes;

authorised officer means a person appointed under section 19 to be an authorised officer;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] certificate of self-accrediting status means a certificate of self-accrediting status issued under section 55Q ;

committee means a committee established under section 20 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] corresponding law means a law of the Commonwealth, another State or a Territory that provides for the accreditation, registration, licensing, approval or other recognition of any one or more of the following:

(a) senior secondary courses;

(b) higher education courses;

(c) other education courses;

(d) education programs;

(e) higher education providers;

(f) providers of education programs to overseas students;

course means –

(a) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 2008, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2009] a senior secondary course; or

(b) an accredited training course; or

(c) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a higher education course; or

(d) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] an approved overseas higher education course; or

(e) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] an accredited other education course –

which includes one or more subjects, syllabuses or programs of study or training leading to the conferral or issue of a particular qualification;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] education program means –

(a) an accredited course; or

(b) an accredited training course; or

(c) any other instruction, training or prescribed means of education, whether given as a course of study or otherwise;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] Executive Officer means the Executive Officer (Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification) appointed under section 16 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] exempt university means –

(a) a university; or

(b) another provider of higher education; or

(c) another person –

referred to in section 5 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] externally provided distance course means a course provided to a student situated in Tasmania if –

(a) the course is entirely provided by means that do not include teaching in person; and

(b) while the person is providing the course, the person is not present in Tasmania, and does not have any employees or business premises in Tasmania, for the purposes of providing that course;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] field of study has the same meaning as in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] formal education means education that –

(a) is delivered in a structured program that if successfully completed will result in the person obtaining a qualification; or

(b) will result in the person obtaining a qualification if –

(i) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] the attainment of the education is successfully demonstrated by that person in an examination or other assessment conducted by another person, other than the Office; and

(ii) the conduct of such an examination or other assessment by that other person is an ordinary part of the business, functions or activities of that other person;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] Framework Advisory Council means the Framework Advisory Council established under section 24H ;

functions includes duties;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] higher education means education in relation to which a higher education award may be issued;

higher education award means –

(a) an award of a diploma or advanced diploma; or

(b) an award of a graduate diploma or graduate certificate; or

(c) an award of an associate degree, bachelor degree, masters degree or doctoral degree; or

(d) any other award specified in the Australian Qualifications Framework as a higher education award; or

(da) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] an approved overseas higher education qualification; or

(e) a prescribed award –

but does not include a qualification that is awarded or issued in respect of vocational education and training or by an exempt university;

higher education course means a course of study that entitles a person who satisfies the course requirements to the conferral or issue of a higher education award;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] interstate higher education course means a higher education course that is –

(a) accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law that provides for the accreditation, registration, licensing or other approval of a higher education course; and

(b) provided to a student present in Tasmania –

but does not include an externally provided distance course;

justice of the peace does not include a magistrate;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] local higher education course means a higher education course, other than an interstate higher education course or overseas higher education course, that –

(a) is provided in Tasmania; or

(b) is provided in another State, a Territory or another country by a person resident or situated in, or whose principal business premises are situated in, Tasmania;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] MCEETYA means –

(a) the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs created in 1993 by the Council of Australian Governments and which consists of the Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories having responsibility for education, employment, training and youth affairs; or

(b) any other Ministerial Council consisting of the Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories having responsibility for senior secondary education and tertiary education, whether created in substitution for, or in addition to, the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs referred to in paragraph (a) , or otherwise;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students means the code of that name approved by MCEETYA on 7 July 2006, as amended or substituted from time to time;

National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes means –

(a) the set of protocols governing higher education quality assurance processes agreed to by the States and Territories at the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs on 31 March 2000, as amended from time to time; or

(b) any set of protocols agreed to in substitution for the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes, as amended from time to time;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] national standard means a standard relating to the provision of a course, the assessment of a person undertaking a course or the conferral or issue of a qualification in respect of a course to be followed by Commonwealth, State and Territory registering bodies and course accrediting bodies under –

(a) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012]

(b) the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; or

(c) the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students; or

(d) the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Standards;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] Office means the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification created under section 7(1) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] other education means education obtained by a person after the completion of those years of schooling that the person is required by law to attend –

(a) including but not limited to adult education, community education and education specifically designed for a person with a disability; but

(b) excluding senior secondary education, vocational education and training and higher education;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] other education course means a course of study in other education that entitles a person who satisfies the course requirements to the conferral or issue of an approved qualification;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] overseas higher education course means a higher education course provided or to be provided by an overseas higher education institution;

overseas higher education institution has the same meaning as in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] overseas student means a student in relation to whom a fee is paid for a course, but does not include –

(a) an Australian citizen or a dependant of an Australian citizen; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen or a dependant of a New Zealand citizen; or

(c) a permanent resident in Australia or a dependant of such a permanent resident; or

(d) a refugee resident in Australia;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] person includes –

(a) a body of persons corporate or unincorporate; and

(b) a government department or part of a government department;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] qualification means the recognition, by any means, that a person has successfully completed a course or course of study or has been successful in an examination or other assessment of an area of his or her education;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] recognised qualification means a qualification recognised by the Office under section 55ZZM(1) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] registered education (overseas students) provider means a person who is registered as a registered education (overseas students) provider under section 55ZZA ;

registered higher education provider means a person who is registered as a registered higher education provider under section 43 , while that registration has effect;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017] registered school has the same meaning as in the Education Act 2016 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] registered student exchange organisation means an organisation or other person that is registered as a registered student exchange organisation under section 33E ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] registered training organisation has the same meaning as in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 of the Commonwealth;

registration certificate means a registration certificate issued under section 45 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] registration (overseas students) certificate means a registration (overseas students) certificate issued under section 55ZZC ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] registration (student exchange organisation) certificate means a registration (student exchange organisation) certificate issued under section 33F ;

regulations means regulations made and in force under section 72 ;

rules means rules made and in force under section 64 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017] school has the same meaning as in the Education Act 2016 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] self-accrediting higher education provider means a person who is granted the status of self-accrediting higher education provider under section 55O ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] senior secondary accreditation framework means the framework relating to the accreditation of senior secondary courses approved by the Minister under section 24F , as amended or substituted from time to time under that section;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 2008, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2009]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 2008, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2009] senior secondary course means a course of study that is normally undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, during senior secondary education;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 2008, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2009] senior secondary education means secondary education that is usually undertaken by persons following the completion of the fourth year of secondary education, being the year commonly known as Year 10;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 6, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 15, Applied:10 Jul 2017] State school has the same meaning as in the Education Act 2016 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] student exchange program means a program whereby Tasmanian students undertaking senior secondary education, or other secondary education, may undertake a part of their studies in a country other than Australia and in return students from other countries may undertake a part of their studies in Tasmania;

Treasurer's Instructions means instructions issued under section 114 of the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995 or section 23 of the Financial Management and Audit Act 1990 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 11 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2013] vocational education and training has the same meaning as in the Training and Workforce Development Act 2013 .

(2)  For the purposes of this Act –

(a) [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a person may provide a course or education in person, by mail, by means of the internet, radio or television or by any other means; and

(b) [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a person who provides a course or education to a student who is present in Tasmania while undertaking that course or education is taken to provide that course or education in Tasmania unless that course is an externally provided distance course.

4.   Act binds Crown

(1)  This Act binds the Crown in right of Tasmania and, so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, in all its other capacities.

(2)  Nothing in this Act renders the Crown in right of Tasmania liable to be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.

5.   Non-application of Act to certain providers of higher education

[Section 5 Substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  This Act, other than Part 4B , does not apply in relation to –

(a) the University of Tasmania; or

(b) a university established, recognised or registered by or under –

(i) an Act of this State; or

(ii) an Act of the Commonwealth, another State or a Territory; or

(c) a person who is authorised to provide higher education courses, and self-accredit those courses, by or under an Act of the Commonwealth, another State or a Territory.

(2)  This Act, or a provision or part of this Act, as prescribed does not apply to a prescribed person or a person of a prescribed class of persons.

(3)  If the University of Tasmania, a university referred to in subsection (1)(b) , a person referred to in paragraph (c) or a person referred to in subsection (2) is a registered education (overseas students) provider, this Act applies to that university or person in his, her or its capacity as such a registered education (overseas students) provider.

6.   

[Section 6 Repealed by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

PART 2 - Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification

[Part 2 Heading amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 7, Applied:29 May 2015]

Division 1 - Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification

[Division 1 of Part 2 Heading amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 8, Applied:29 May 2015]

7.   Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification

(1)  [Section 7 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 9, Applied:29 May 2015] The Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, within the meaning of this Act as in force on the day on which the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 2015 commenced, is continued as the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.

(2)  [Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 9, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office –

(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and

(b) has a seal; and

(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.

(3)  [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 9, Applied:29 May 2015] All courts and persons acting judicially must take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal on a document and presume that it was duly sealed by the Office.

8.   Constitution of Office

[Section 8 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 10, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is constituted by the Executive Officer.

9.   Objectives of Office

[Section 9 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 11, Applied:29 May 2015] The objectives of the Office are to ensure that –

(a) relevant national standards and State standards for senior secondary education, vocational education and training and higher education are monitored and met; and

(b) links between qualifications for senior secondary education, vocational education and training, higher education and other education are developed or improved; and

(c) throughout a person's life as wide a range of qualifications as practicable can be obtained and recognised in senior secondary education, vocational education and training, higher education and other education.

10.   Functions of Office

[Section 10 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 10 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 10 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 12, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Office has the following functions:

(a) to provide a consolidated statement of the approved qualifications and other qualifications of a person at his or her request;

(b) to accredit courses for senior secondary education, higher education and other education;

(c) to register providers of higher education;

(d) to determine standards and qualifications in senior secondary education and other education and to provide for or determine related matters;

(e) to set, to conduct or arrange for the conduct of and to mark examinations and assessments in senior secondary education and other education and to provide for or determine related matters;

(f) to accredit education programs for overseas students, register providers of such programs and provide for or determine related matters;

(g) to collect, record and distribute individual student information relating to senior secondary education, vocational education, higher education and other education;

(h) to provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to qualifications;

(i) to –

(i) collect and record data relating to the educational outcomes, attainment, retention and assessment of students; and

(ii) collect and record student demographic data; and

(iii) provide to the Minister, at the request of the Minister, the data collected and recorded under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) or such of that data as is specified in the Minister's request; and

(iv) provide to the Secretary of the Department, for the purpose of performing his or her functions under this or any other Act, the data collected and recorded under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) in so far as it relates to State schools; and

(v) provide to a school, or an organisation representing all or a group of registered schools, the data collected and recorded under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) in so far as it relates to that school or to a registered school represented by that organisation;

(j) to distribute the data referred to in paragraph (i) , or part of that data, as required by or under any law;

(k) to provide to the Secretary of the Department, or another person or an organisation agreed by the Secretary and the Office, the data referred to in paragraph (i) so as to enable the Department to manage the data on behalf of the Office;

(l) functions imposed on the Office by any other Act;

(m) other functions imposed on the Office by this Act;

(n) other functions imposed on the Office by the Minister by written notice provided to the Office.

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1)(i)(iii) and (v) , information that identifies a student may only be distributed to the school, or an organisation representing the registered school, that the student attends.

(3)  Nothing in this section prevents any school or organisation representing all, or a group of, registered schools from providing data acquired under, or of a kind referred to in, subsection (1)(i) to any school or any such organisation.

11.   Powers of Office

[Section 11 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 13, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office has the following powers:

(a) authorising and directing the undertaking of investigations, inspections, examinations and reviews for the purposes of this Act;

(ab) [Section 11 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 7, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 11 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 13, Applied:29 May 2015] undertaking audits of providers of education or training at the request of persons the Office considers have an interest in the provision of education or training by those providers;

(b) acquiring, holding, disposing of and otherwise dealing with property;

(c) entering into contracts, including a contract with another person for the performance or exercise of any of its functions or powers by or jointly with that other person;

(d) setting charges, terms and conditions relating to work done, or services, goods or information supplied, by it;

(da) [Section 11 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] collecting vocational education attainment data from registered training organisations operating in Tasmania;

(e) doing any other thing necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance or exercise of its functions and powers under this or any other Act.

12.   Delegation

[Section 12 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 12 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 14, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may delegate any of its functions or powers under this Act or any other Act, other than this power of delegation.

13.   Ministerial directions

(1)  [Section 13 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 15, Applied:29 May 2015] The Minister may give to the Office –

(a) the policy expectations of the Minister; and

(b) written directions with respect to the compliance by the Office with those policy expectations in performing and exercising its functions and powers under this Act.

(2)  [Section 13 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 15, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to comply with a direction given under subsection (1) .

(3)  [Section 13 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 15, Applied:29 May 2015] The annual report submitted under section 36 of the State Service Act 2000 by the Head of Agency, within the meaning of that Act, is to contain the policy expectations and any directions given under subsection (1) during the period to which the report relates.

14.   Independence of Office

[Section 14 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 16, Applied:29 May 2015] Except as otherwise provided by or under this or any other Act, the Office is not subject to the control or directions of the Head of Agency within the meaning of the State Service Act 2000 or the Department in respect of the formation of any opinion, or the making of any decision, that the Office is required to form, or make, to perform its functions.

Division 2 - .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

[Division 2 of Part 2 Repealed by No. 15 of 2015, s. 17, Applied:29 May 2015]

15.   

[Section 15 Repealed by No. 15 of 2015, s. 17, Applied:29 May 2015] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Division 3 - Executive Officer and staff of Office

[Division 3 of Part 2 Heading amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 18, Applied:29 May 2015]

16.   Executive Officer

[Section 16 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 19, Applied:29 May 2015] Subject to and in accordance with the State Service Act 2000 , a person may be appointed as Executive Officer (Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification).

17.   Staff

[Section 17 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 19, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Office may arrange with the Secretary of the Department for State Service officers and State Service employees employed in the Department to be made available to enable the Office to perform and exercise its functions and powers.

(2)  On the written request of the Office, the Secretary of the Department may arrange with the Head of a State Service Agency for State Service officers and State Service employees employed in that Agency to be made available to enable the Office to perform and exercise its functions and powers.

(3)  All expenses associated with the use by the Office of a State Service officer or State Service employee made available under subsection (2) to the Office by the Head of a State Service Agency are to be met by the Office unless otherwise agreed between the Secretary of the Department and the Head of that Agency.

18.   

[Section 18 Repealed by No. 15 of 2015, s. 19, Applied:29 May 2015] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

19.   Authorised officers

(1)  [Section 19 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 20, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may appoint a State Service officer or State Service employee made available under section 17 to the Office to be an authorised officer.

(2)  [Section 19 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 20, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to ensure that each authorised officer has a current identity card that is issued by the Office and contains a recent photograph of the officer.

Division 4 - Committees

20.   Committees

(1)  [Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 21, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] The Office may establish one or more committees to advise and assist the Office in the performance and exercise of its functions and powers under this Act or any other Act.

(2)  [Section 20 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 21, Applied:29 May 2015] A committee consists of such persons as the Office appoints.

(3)  [Section 20 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 21, Applied:29 May 2015] The Executive Officer may be a member of a committee.

(4)  [Section 20 Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 21, Applied:29 May 2015] Subject to subsection (5) , a member of a committee is entitled to be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Office determines.

(5)  A member of a committee who is a State Service employee or State Service officer is not entitled to remuneration under subsection (4) except with the approval of the Minister administering the State Service Act 2000 .

(6)  A member of a committee holds office on such conditions in relation to matters not provided for by this Act as are specified in the instrument of appointment.

(7)  [Section 20 Subsection (7) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 21, Applied:29 May 2015] At any time, the Office may abolish a committee.

21.   Procedure of committees

(1)  A committee must keep accurate minutes of its meetings.

(2)  Except as otherwise provided in this Act, a committee may regulate its own proceedings.

Division 5 - Financial affairs

22.   Authorised deposit-taking institution accounts

[Section 22 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 22, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may open and maintain such authorised deposit-taking institution accounts as it considers necessary.

23.   Accounting records

(1)  [Section 23 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 23, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to –

(a) keep such accounting records as correctly record and explain its transactions (including any transactions as trustee) and financial position; and

(b) keep those records in a manner that –

(i) [Section 23 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 23, Applied:29 May 2015] allows true and fair accounts of the Office to be prepared from time to time; and

(ii) allows its accounts to be conveniently and properly audited or reviewed; and

(iii) [Section 23 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 23, Applied:29 May 2015] subject to any contrary written direction given by the Treasurer to the Office under subsection (2) , complies with Australian Accounting Standards; and

(iv) [Section 23 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 23, Applied:29 May 2015] complies with any written directions given by the Minister or Treasurer to the Office under subsection (2) .

(2)  [Section 23 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 23, Applied:29 May 2015] The Treasurer or Minister may give written directions to the Office for the purposes of subsection (1) .

(3)  A direction under subsection (2) may adopt, either wholly or partly, with or without modification and either specifically or by reference, any Treasurer's Instructions, whenever issued.

24.   Annual report to Secretary of Department

[Section 24 Substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 8, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 24 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 24, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  So as to enable the Secretary of the Department to comply with section 36 of the State Service Act 2000 , the Office, in each year, is to provide to the Secretary of the Department a report on the performance and exercise of its functions and powers for the period of 12 months that ended on the last preceding 30 June.

(2)  The report is to –

(a) include any information required by the Secretary of the Department; and

(b) be completed by the date determined by the Secretary of the Department.

(3)  When submitting a report to the Minister under section 36(1) of the State Service Act 2000 , the Secretary of the Department is to attach to that report as an addendum a copy of the report provided to him or her under subsection (1) .

PART 3 - Senior Secondary Education

Division 1 - [Division 1 of Part 3 Heading inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 9, Applied:01 Jan 2008] Preliminary

[Division 1 of Part 3 Heading amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

24A.   Priorities for curriculum

[Section 24A Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015] The Minister –

(a) is to establish the priorities for the development of the curriculum for senior secondary education; and

(b) is to cause those priorities to be published on the website of the Department; and

(c) may make those priorities available to the public, free of charge, in any other manner the Minister considers appropriate.

24B.   Responsibilities of Secretary of Department for senior secondary curriculum

[Section 24B Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  [Section 24B Subsection (1) omitted by No. 47 of 2016, s. 16, Applied:10 Jul 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(2)  The Secretary of the Department has the following responsibilities in relation to the curriculum for senior secondary education:

(a) to advise the Minister on the priorities in relation to the development or revision of the curriculum for senior secondary education;

(b) to cause the Department to develop, and regularly revise, the curriculum for senior secondary education;

(c) to ensure that the curriculum for senior secondary education is –

(i) developed and revised in accordance with any priorities established by the Minister under section 24A ; and

(ii) [Section 24B Subsection (2) amended by No. 47 of 2016, s. 16, Applied:10 Jul 2017] suitable for use in State schools and registered schools.

(3)  In undertaking his or her responsibilities, the Secretary of the Department is to –

(a) consult and work collaboratively with any organisations that represent all, or any group of, registered schools; and

(b) consult with relevant teacher unions, and associations that represent parents of students, and take their opinions into consideration; and

(c) consider –

(i) the needs of the Tasmanian workforce; and

(ii) the needs of providers of vocational education and training, and of higher education, in developing their own accredited training courses and higher education courses.

24C.   Committees

[Section 24C Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Secretary of the Department may establish such committees as he or she considers appropriate to advise him or her in relation to the undertaking, performance and exercise of his or her responsibilities, functions and powers under this Act.

(2)  A committee consists of such persons as the Secretary of the Department appoints after consulting with all organisations that represent all, or any group of, registered schools.

(3)  The Secretary of the Department may be a member of a committee.

(4)  A member of a committee holds office as a member for the term, and on the conditions, specified in his or her instrument of appointment.

(5)  The Secretary of the Department may abolish a committee at any time.

24D.   Procedure of committees

[Section 24D Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Secretary of the Department, in writing provided to a committee established under section 24C , may provide for the regulation of its proceedings.

(2)  A committee established under section 24C must keep accurate minutes of its proceedings.

(3)  Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary of the Department or by this Act, a committee established under section 24C may regulate its own proceedings.

24E.   Development and review of senior secondary accreditation framework

[Section 24E Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Office is to –

(a) develop a draft framework relating to the accreditation of senior secondary courses; and

(b) at the request of the Minister or from time to time on its own discretion, review the senior secondary accreditation framework.

(2)  In developing the draft framework, providing a substitute draft framework in accordance with the Minister's requirement under section 24F(2)(c) or reviewing the senior secondary accreditation framework, the Office –

(a) is to request the Framework Advisory Council to provide, as soon as is reasonably practicable, a report containing its recommendations relating to the draft framework, substitute draft framework or senior secondary accreditation framework; and

(b) is to take the report and recommendations into consideration; and

(c) at any time during the development or review, may consult with the Framework Advisory Council.

(3)  After a review of the senior secondary accreditation framework, the Office is to, as it considers appropriate, prepare –

(a) a draft amendment to the senior secondary accreditation framework; or

(b) a draft framework to be substituted for the senior secondary accreditation framework; or

(c) a report stating that the senior secondary accreditation framework does not need amendment or replacement and the reasons supporting that conclusion.

24F.   Senior secondary accreditation framework

[Section 24F Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  After completing under section 24E(1) or (3)  –

(a) a draft framework; or

(b) a draft amendment to the senior secondary accreditation framework; or

(c) a substitute draft framework to replace the senior secondary accreditation framework; or

(d) a report stating that the senior secondary accreditation framework does not need amendment or replacement –

the Office is to provide it to the Minister, together with a copy of the report of the Framework Advisory Council prepared in accordance with a request under section 24E(2) .

(2)  On receipt of a draft framework, the Minister may –

(a) approve the draft framework; or

(b) require the Office to amend the draft framework and provide the amended draft framework for approval; or

(c) require the Office to provide a substitute draft framework for approval.

(3)  The framework is to include –

(a) priorities for the accreditation of senior secondary courses; and

(b) the processes for determining whether or not to accredit any senior secondary course; and

(c) the standards which must be met by a senior secondary course for it to be accredited as a senior secondary course.

(4)  The framework may include any other matters the Minister considers appropriate.

(5)  If the Minister is provided by the Office with a draft amendment to the senior secondary accreditation framework, or a substitute draft framework for the senior secondary accreditation framework together with a recommendation that the senior secondary accreditation framework be rescinded and substituted, the Minister may –

(a) approve the draft amendment of the framework or rescind the framework and substitute the substitute draft framework; or

(b) require the Office to amend the draft amendment or substitute draft framework and provide the amended draft amendment or substitute draft framework for approval.

(6)  If the Minister is provided by the Office with a report stating that the senior secondary accreditation framework does not need amendment or replacement, the Minister may –

(a) accept that report and neither amend nor rescind and substitute the senior secondary accreditation framework; or

(b) require the Office to provide a draft amendment to the senior secondary accreditation framework or a substitute draft framework for the senior secondary accreditation framework.

(7)  The Minister is to provide a copy of the senior secondary accreditation framework, and any amendment to the senior secondary accreditation framework or substitute senior secondary accreditation framework, to the Office and, so as to assist the Secretary of the Department in undertaking his or her responsibilities under section 24B , to the Secretary.

(8)  The Office –

(a) is to make a copy of the framework, as amended or substituted from time to time, available for inspection by any person during its normal business hours; and

(b) on the request of any person and payment of any prescribed fee, is to provide a copy of that framework, or part of that framework, to the person; and

(c) is to publish that framework on its website; and

(d) may make that framework available to the public, or publish it, in any other manner the Office considers appropriate.

(9)  The senior secondary accreditation framework, an amendment to it, and a substitute senior secondary accreditation framework are not statutory rules for the purposes of the Rules Publication Act 1953 .

24G.   Compliance with senior secondary accreditation framework

[Section 24G Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Office is to perform and exercise its functions and powers in a manner that is consistent with the senior secondary accreditation framework.

(2)  In complying with and implementing the senior secondary accreditation framework, the Office may consult with the Framework Advisory Council.

24H.   Framework Advisory Council

[Section 24H Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Framework Advisory Council is established.

(2)  The functions of the Framework Advisory Council are –

(a) to advise and assist the Office and the Minister in relation to the development and review of the senior secondary accreditation framework; and

(b) to advise and assist the Office on any matters that may arise from the implementation of the senior secondary accreditation framework.

(3)  The Framework Advisory Council consists of –

(a) the chairperson, being a person the Minister considers will carry out the duties of chairperson in an independent and fair manner; and

(b) the Secretary of the Department or his or her nominee; and

(c) a person nominated by each organisation that represents registered schools or a group of registered schools; and

(d) a person nominated by TasTAFE; and

(e) a person nominated by the University of Tasmania; and

(f) at least one, but not more than 4, other persons as the Minister considers appropriate to ensure a breadth of community representation.

(4)  The chairperson of the Framework Advisory Council and the members of the Framework Advisory Council referred to in subsection (3)(c) , (d) , (e) and (f) are appointed by the Minister and hold office as chairperson or as a member for the term, and on the conditions, specified in his or her instrument of appointment.

(5)  Before appointing a member of the Framework Advisory Council referred to subsection (3)(c) , (d) or (e) , the Minister is to request the organisation, TasTAFE or the University to nominate a suitable person for appointment.

(6)  If an organisation, TasTAFE or the University fails to make a nomination when requested under subsection (5) , the Minister may appoint a person that he or she considers appropriate as the relevant member of the Framework Advisory Council.

(7)  In appointing persons under subsection (3)(f) , the Minister is to ensure that the membership of the Framework Advisory Council fairly represents all educational sectors.

24I.   Procedure of Framework Advisory Council

[Section 24I Inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 25, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  The Minister, in writing provided to the Framework Advisory Council, may provide for the regulation of its proceedings.

(2)  The Framework Advisory Council must keep accurate minutes of its meetings.

(3)  The Executive Officer is entitled to attend and participate in the meetings of the Framework Advisory Council but is not entitled to a vote.

(4)  Except as otherwise provided by the Minister or this Act, the Framework Advisory Council may regulate its own proceedings.

Division 1A - [Division 1A of Part 3 Heading inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 26, Applied:29 May 2015] Accredited senior secondary courses

25.   Application for accreditation of senior secondary course

(1)  [Section 25 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 27, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who provides, or proposes to provide, a senior secondary course in Tasmania or elsewhere may apply to the Office for accreditation of that course.

(2)  [Section 25 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 27, Applied:29 May 2015] An application is to be in a form approved by the Office.

(3)  [Section 25 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 27, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information it considers relevant to the application.

26.   Accreditation of senior secondary course

(1)  [Section 26 Subsection (1) omitted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(2)  [Section 26 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 25 , the Office may –

(a) accredit the senior secondary course; or

(b) refuse to accredit the senior secondary course.

(3)  [Section 26 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office must accredit a senior secondary course if satisfied –

(a) that each of the following matters is adequately provided for and of sufficient standard to allow the granting of a qualification to a person successfully completing the course:

(i) the aims and learning outcomes of the course;

(ii) the scope of the studies involved in the course;

(iii) the assessment processes used, or to be used, to determine whether a student has achieved the learning outcomes of the course; and

(ab) [Section 26 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] that the course has been developed in accordance with the senior secondary accreditation framework; and

(b) that the course and the methods of delivering the course are likely to achieve the purposes, aims and learning outcomes of the course; and

(c) [Section 26 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] that the contents and standards of the course, and the methods of delivering the course, are consistent with any relevant national standards.

(4)  [Section 26 Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] When accrediting a senior secondary course, the Office may determine –

(a) that the course is an accredited course of a particular class or level; and

(b) the qualification that will be conferred on the successful completion of the course.

(5)  [Section 26 Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 28, Applied:29 May 2015] If on considering an application under section 25 the Office accredits, or refuses to accredit, a senior secondary course, the Office is to provide written notice of that decision to the applicant.

27.   Term of accreditation of accredited senior secondary course

[Section 27 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 29, Applied:29 May 2015] An accredited senior secondary course is accredited for the period determined by the Office.

28.   Renewal of accreditation as accredited senior secondary course

[Section 28 Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 30, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  A person who applied for the accreditation of an accredited senior secondary course may apply for the renewal of the accreditation of that course not less than 6 calendar months before the accreditation ceases to have effect.

(2)  The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information it considers relevant to the application.

(3)  On receipt of an application, the Office may –

(a) renew the accreditation of the senior secondary course; or

(b) refuse to renew the accreditation of the senior secondary course.

(4)  The Office may only renew the accreditation of the senior secondary course if satisfied that the course complies with the senior secondary accreditation framework.

(5)  The Office may only refuse to renew the accreditation of the senior secondary course if satisfied that –

(a) the course and the methods of delivering the course are no longer achieving the purposes, aims and learning outcomes of the course; or

(b) the contents and standards of the course, and the methods of delivering the course are no longer consistent with any relevant national standards.

(6)  If the Office renews the accreditation of a senior secondary course –

(a) the course is accredited for the period determined by the Office; and

(b) the qualification that is conferred on the successful completion of the course remains the same qualification as was conferred before the renewal.

(7)  If on considering an application the Office renews, or refuses to renew, the accreditation of a senior secondary course, the Office is to provide written notice of that decision to the applicant.

29.   Cancellation of accreditation as accredited senior secondary course

(1)  [Section 29 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 31, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may, at any time in writing, cancel the accreditation of an accredited senior secondary course if the Office is no longer satisfied of the matters specified in section 26(3) .

(2)  A cancellation takes effect on the day specified in it.

30.   Offence of falsely claiming to provide accredited course

A person who provides a course must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that it is an accredited senior secondary course unless the course is an accredited senior secondary course.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

31.   Assessment of accredited senior secondary courses

[Section 31 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 10, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 31 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 32, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may determine procedures and arrangements, and may set, conduct or arrange for the conduct of and mark examinations and assessments, for the assessment of persons undertaking accredited senior secondary courses.

32.   Conferral or issue of approved qualification

[Section 32 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 33, Applied:29 May 2015] Subject to section 33(4) , the Office, by written statement or otherwise, is to recognise the successful completion of an accredited senior secondary course by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification for that course.

33.   Standards for provision and assessment of accredited senior secondary courses

(1)  [Section 33 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 34, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may set or adopt standards for the provision and assessment of accredited senior secondary courses.

(2)  [Section 33 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 34, Applied:29 May 2015] For the purpose of ensuring that the provision and assessment of an accredited senior secondary course meets standards set under subsection (1) , the Office may give to a person providing or proposing to provide that course a written direction to do anything the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  A person must comply with a direction given under subsection (2) .

(4)  [Section 33 Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 34, Applied:29 May 2015] If an accredited senior secondary course provided by any person fails to meet standards set or adopted for the provision or assessment of that course, the Office may refuse to confer or issue an approved qualification to a student completing that course.

Division 2 - Senior secondary education otherwise than by completion of accredited senior secondary course

33A.   Examination or assessment of senior secondary education

[Section 33A Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 35, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 33A of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may determine procedures and arrangements, and may set, conduct or arrange for the conduct of and mark examinations and assessments, for the assessment of persons in respect of senior secondary education that has been obtained by those persons otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited senior secondary course.

33B.   Senior secondary education qualification

[Section 33B Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 36, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 33B of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] If a person meets the standards required by the Office for success in an examination or assessment of the person's senior secondary education that was obtained otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited senior secondary course, the Office is to issue to the person the approved qualification for that examination or assessment.

33C.   Standards and qualifications for senior secondary education

[Section 33C Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 37, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 33C of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may –

(a) set or adopt standards for examinations and assessments of the senior secondary education obtained by a person otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited senior secondary course; and

(b) determine qualifications for the successful completion of such examinations and assessments.

Division 3 - Registration of student exchange organisations

33D.   Application for registration of student exchange organisation

[Section 33D of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33D Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 38, Applied:29 May 2015] An organisation or other person that proposes to oversee or manage a student exchange program may apply to the Office for registration as a registered student exchange organisation.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 33D Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 38, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 33D Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 38, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and any permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

33E.   Registration as registered student exchange organisation

[Section 33E of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33E Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 39, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 33D , the Office may –

(a) register the applicant as a registered student exchange organisation; or

(b) refuse to so register the applicant.

(2)  [Section 33E Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 39, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to register an applicant, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any relevant national guidelines; and

(b) the aims of the proposed student exchange program; and

(c) the reciprocal arrangements between Tasmania and the other country under the proposed student exchange program; and

(d) the organisational and financial structure of the applicant; and

(e) the support offered under the proposed student exchange program to students in the program and the families accommodating those students; and

(f) the arrangements for health insurance for students in the proposed student exchange program; and

(g) the processes established by the proposed student exchange program for resolution of problems; and

(h) [Section 33E Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 39, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 33E Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 39, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering or refusing to register an applicant, the Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of that decision.

33F.   Registration (student exchange organisation) certificate

[Section 33F of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33F Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 40, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering an organisation or other person as a registered student exchange organisation, the Office is to issue a registration (student exchange organisation) certificate to that organisation.

(2)  A registration (student exchange organisation) certificate is to specify –

(a) the period for which the registered student exchange organisation is registered; and

(b) [Section 33F Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 40, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

33G.   Term of registration

[Section 33G of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  The registration of a registered student exchange organisation has effect for the period not exceeding 5 years specified in the registration (student exchange organisation) certificate.

(2)  Registration of a person as a registered student exchange organisation takes effect on the day the registration (student exchange organisation) certificate is issued or on a later day specified in that certificate.

33H.   Registration fee

[Section 33H of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A registered student exchange organisation must pay any prescribed registration fee.

33I.   Amendment of registration

[Section 33I of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33I Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 41, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may amend the registration of a registered student exchange organisation on the request of the registered student exchange organisation or at its own discretion.

(2)  [Section 33I Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 41, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office amends a registration under subsection (1) , the Office is to –

(a) notify the registered student exchange organisation, in writing, of that amendment; and

(b) either endorse that amendment on the registration (student exchange organisation) certificate or provide the registered student exchange organisation with a replacement registration (student exchange organisation) certificate.

(3)  The amendment of the registration of a registered student exchange organisation takes effect on the day specified in the notice provided to that organisation under subsection (2)(a) .

33J.   Renewal of registration

[Section 33J of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  A registered student exchange organisation may apply for the renewal of the registration not less than 6 calendar months before the registration ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of registration as a registered student exchange organisation, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first registration as a registered student exchange organisation.

(3)  [Section 33J Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 42, Applied:29 May 2015] A registered student exchange organisation must comply with the written requirement of the Office that the registration (student exchange organisation) certificate be surrendered to the Office for the purpose of amending it, or replacing it, as the Office determines appropriate on the renewal of the registration.

33K.   Registration not transferable

[Section 33K of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The registration of an organisation or other person as a registered student exchange organisation may not be transferred to any other organisation or person.

33L.   Guidelines

[Section 33L Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 43, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 33L of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may issue guidelines in respect of –

(a) the accommodation, education and wellbeing of students in a student exchange program; and

(b) the processes for making complaints and dealing with problems and complaints under a student exchange program; and

(c) [Section 33L Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 43, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant to a student exchange program.

33M.   Direction to registered student exchange organisation

[Section 33M of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33M Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 44, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may direct a registered student exchange organisation to take any action the Office considers appropriate or refrain from doing any act if the Office is of the opinion that –

(a) the registered student exchange organisation has contravened this Act or guidelines issued under section 33L ; or

(b) it is appropriate to give the direction having taken into account the matters specified in section 33E(2) .

(2)  A direction is to be in writing provided to the registered student exchange organisation.

(3)  A registered student exchange organisation must comply with a direction provided under this section.

33N.   Cancellation or suspension of registration

[Section 33N of Part 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 11, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 33N Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 45, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel or suspend the registration of a registered student exchange organisation if, after allowing the organisation an opportunity to make submissions in respect of the matter, the Office is satisfied that –

(a) the organisation has contravened this Act or guidelines issued under section 33L ; or

(b) it is appropriate to so cancel or suspend the registration having taken into account the matters specified in section 33E(2) ; or

(c) it is in the public interest to so cancel or suspend the registration; or

(d) the organisation has not complied with a direction under section 33M within the time specified in the direction.

(2)  [Section 33N Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 45, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to cancel the registration of a registered student exchange organisation if it has surrendered the registration (student exchange organisation) certificate and requested that the registration be cancelled.

PART 4 - Higher Education

Division 1 - Preliminary

34.   When person may provide higher education course or higher education award

[Section 34 Substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 12, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  A person may provide a higher education course if –

(a) the person is a registered higher education provider, approved overseas higher education provider or self-accrediting higher education provider; and

(b) the course is an accredited higher education course, or approved overseas higher education course, that the provider is authorised under this Act to provide.

(2)  A person may confer or issue a higher education award if –

(a) the person conferring or issuing the award is a registered higher education provider, approved overseas higher education provider or self-accrediting higher education provider; and

(b) the course for which the award is to be conferred or issued is an accredited higher education course, or approved overseas higher education course, which the provider is authorised under this Act to provide; and

(c) the award is an approved qualification which the provider is authorised under this Act to confer or issue.

Division 2 - Accreditation of higher education courses

35.   Application for accreditation of course

(1)  [Section 35 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 46, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 35 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 13, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A person who proposes to provide –

(a) in Tasmania or elsewhere a local higher education course; or

(b) in Tasmania an interstate higher education course or overseas higher education course –

may apply to the Office for accreditation of that course.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 46, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 13, Applied:01 Jan 2008] accompanied by any prescribed fee; and

(c) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 13, Applied:01 Jan 2008] if the application relates to an interstate higher education course, accompanied by –

(i) either evidence that the course is accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law or the application for the course to be so accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved; and

(ii) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 46, Applied:29 May 2015] permission in writing for the person or authority that accredits, registers, licenses or otherwise approves higher education courses under that corresponding law to provide to the Office details of that accreditation, registration, licence or other approval or of that application; and

(d) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 13, Applied:01 Jan 2008] if the application relates to an overseas higher education course, accompanied by –

(i) if the course is provided in a country other than Australia, information on the provision of the course in that country and, if applicable, evidence that the course is accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under a law of that country; and

(ii) [Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 46, Applied:29 May 2015] permission in writing for the person or authority that accredits, registers, licenses or otherwise approves higher education courses under the law of that country to provide to the Office details of that accreditation, registration, licence or other approval.

(3)  [Section 35 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 46, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 35 Subsection (3) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 13, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

36.   Accreditation of higher education course

(1)  [Section 36 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 35 , the Office may –

(a) accredit the higher education course; or

(b) refuse to accredit the higher education course.

(2)  [Section 36 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 36 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:01 Jan 2008] In determining whether to accredit a local higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any relevant national standards in relation to the principles, process or other matters to be applied in accrediting higher education courses; and

(b) whether each of the following matters is adequately provided for and of sufficient standard to allow the granting of a higher education award to a person successfully completing the course:

(i) the aims and learning outcomes of the course;

(ii) the scope of the studies involved in the course;

(iii) the assessment processes to be used to determine whether a student has achieved the learning outcomes of the course; and

(c) whether the contents and standards of the course, and the methods of delivering the course, are consistent with any relevant national standards in relation to the principles, process or other matters to be applied in accrediting courses; and

(d) [Section 36 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] the views of relevant industrial or professional bodies submitted to the Office; and

(e) [Section 36 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(2A)  [Section 36 Subsection (2A) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 36 Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:01 Jan 2008] In determining whether to accredit an interstate higher education course or overseas higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) local issues that may impact on delivery of the course in Tasmania; and

(b) any of the matters specified in subsection (2) ; and

(c) any other relevant matter.

(2B)  [Section 36 Subsection (2B) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 36 Subsection (2B) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may accredit an interstate higher education course without having regard to the matters specified in subsection (2) if satisfied that –

(a) the course is accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law; and

(b) the course is to be delivered in Tasmania in substantially the same manner as in the jurisdiction where it is so accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved.

(3)  [Section 36 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 36 Subsection (3) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:01 Jan 2008] On accrediting a local higher education course or overseas higher education course, the Office is to determine the higher education award that will be conferred or issued on the successful completion of the course.

(3A)  [Section 36 Subsection (3A) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 36 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 14, Applied:01 Jan 2008] On accrediting an interstate higher education course, the Office is to determine that the qualification that may be conferred or issued in respect of the course under the relevant corresponding law is the higher education award that will be conferred on the successful completion of the course.

(4)  [Section 36 Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 47, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to provide written notice of whether it has accredited or refused to accredit a higher education course to the applicant.

37.   Term of accreditation of accredited higher education course

[Section 37 Substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 15, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 37 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 48, Applied:29 May 2015] An accredited higher education course that is a local higher education course or overseas higher education course is accredited for the period, not exceeding 5 years, determined by the Office.

(2)  An accredited higher education course that is an interstate higher education course is accredited for the period for which it is accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under the relevant corresponding law.

38.   Accredited higher education course subject to conditions

(1)  [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 49, Applied:29 May 2015] The accreditation of a higher education course is subject to any condition determined by the Office and notified in writing to the provider of the course.

(2)  [Section 38 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 49, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may at any time impose a condition on the accreditation of a higher education course or amend the conditions to which an accredited higher education course is subject by notifying the provider of the course in writing.

39.   Renewal of accreditation as accredited higher education course

(1)  A person who applied for the accreditation of an accredited higher education course may apply for the renewal of the accreditation of that course not less than 6 calendar months before the accreditation ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Part applies in respect of an application for renewal of the accreditation of an accredited higher education course, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first accreditation as an accredited higher education course.

40.   Cancellation of accreditation as accredited higher education course

(1)  [Section 40 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 50, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office, at any time by written notice provided to the registered higher education provider providing an accredited higher education course, may cancel the accreditation of the accredited higher education course if the Office is satisfied that it is no longer appropriate for the course to be accredited.

(2)  A cancellation takes effect on the day specified in it.

41.   

[Section 41 Repealed by No. 59 of 2007, s. 16, Applied:01 Jan 2008] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Division 3 - Registration of higher education providers

42.   Application for registration

(1)  [Section 42 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 51, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who proposes to provide, in Tasmania or elsewhere, an accredited higher education course may apply to the Office for registration as a registered higher education provider.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 42 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 51, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) made not less than 9 calendar months before the accredited higher education course that the person is proposing to provide is due to commence; and

(ba) [Section 42 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 17, Applied:01 Jan 2008] if the applicant is registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved for the purposes of providing a higher education course under a corresponding law or has made an application for such registration, accreditation, licence or approval, accompanied by –

(i) either evidence of that registration, accreditation, licence or other approval under the corresponding law or the application for such registration, accreditation, licence or approval; and

(ii) [Section 42 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 51, Applied:29 May 2015] permission in writing for the person or authority that registers, accredits, licenses or otherwise approves providers of higher education courses under that corresponding law to provide to the Office details of that registration, accreditation, licence or other approval or of that application; and

(c) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 42 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 51, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 42 Subsection (3) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 17, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

43.   Registration as registered higher education provider

(1)  [Section 43 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 42 , the Office may –

(a) [Section 43 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2008] register a person as a registered higher education provider; or

(b) refuse to so register the person.

(2)  [Section 43 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 43 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2008] In determining whether or not to register a person who is not registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any national standards relating to the recognition of providers of higher education courses; and

(b) the processes proposed to be provided by the applicant in respect of quality assurance; and

(c) the delivery and assessment methods proposed to be used in respect of the accredited higher education course to be provided by the applicant; and

(d) the premises, equipment, materials, staff and resources proposed to be used in respect of the accredited higher education course to be provided by the applicant; and

(e) the applicant's compliance with, or ability to comply with, the rules; and

(f) the financial viability of the applicant; and

(g) [Section 43 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(2A)  [Section 43 Subsection (2A) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 43 Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2008] In determining whether or not to register a person who is registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) local issues that may impact on delivery by the person of a higher education course in Tasmania; and

(b) any of the matters specified in subsection (2) ; and

(c) any other relevant matter.

(2B)  [Section 43 Subsection (2B) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 43 Subsection (2B) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office may register a person who is registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of higher education courses without having regard to the matters specified in subsection (2) if satisfied that –

(a) the person is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law; and

(b) the person is to deliver the higher education courses in Tasmania, once they are accredited higher education courses, in substantially the same manner as in the jurisdiction where he, she or it is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved.

(3)  [Section 43 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 52, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 43 Subsection (3) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2008] On registering or refusing to register a person, the Office is to notify the applicant in writing of that decision.

44.   Registration subject to conditions

(1)  [Section 44 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 53, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering a person as a registered higher education provider and at any other time, the Office may –

(a) impose conditions to which the registration as a registered higher education provider is subject; and

(b) amend any such conditions.

(2)  A condition imposed under this section, or the amendment under this section of such a condition, takes effect on the day on which the registered higher education provider receives written notice of the condition, or amendment, or on a later day specified in that notice.

45.   Registration certificate

(1)  [Section 45 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 54, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering a higher education provider, the Office is to issue a registration certificate to the registered higher education provider.

(2)  A registration certificate is to specify –

(a) which accredited higher education courses, or the classes of accredited higher education courses, the registered higher education provider is authorised to provide; and

(b) which higher education awards the registered higher education provider is authorised to confer or issue; and

(c) any conditions imposed in respect of the registration under section 44 ; and

(d) [Section 45 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 19, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the period for which the higher education provider is registered; and

(e) [Section 45 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 19, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 45 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 54, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 45 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 54, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office under section 44 imposes conditions on the registration of a registered higher education provider otherwise than on the grant of that registration, or amends any such conditions, the Office is to amend the registration certificate or issue a replacement registration certificate.

(4)  Conditions to which the registration of a registered higher education provider is subject may be specified in a registration certificate by –

(a) specifying those conditions in or on the certificate; or

(b) attaching those conditions to the certificate; or

(c) providing to the registered higher education provider a written notice containing those conditions.

46.   Term of registration

(1)  [Section 46 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The registration of a registered higher education provider who, immediately before being registered, was not registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course has effect for the period not exceeding 5 years specified in the registration certificate unless sooner cancelled.

(1A)  [Section 46 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 20, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The registration of a registered higher education provider who, immediately before being registered, was registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course has effect for the period for which the provider is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under the corresponding law.

(2)  Registration of a person as a registered higher education provider takes effect on the day the registration certificate is issued or on a later day specified in the registration certificate.

47.   Registration fee

A registered higher education provider must pay any prescribed registration fee.

48.   Amendment of registration

(1)  [Section 48 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 55, Applied:29 May 2015] On the request of a registered higher education provider or at its own discretion, the Office may amend the registration of a registered higher education provider.

(2)  [Section 48 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 55, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office amends a registration under subsection (1) , the Office is to –

(a) notify the registered higher education provider of that amendment; and

(b) either endorse that amendment on the registration certificate or provide the registered higher education provider with a replacement registration certificate.

(3)  The amendment of the registration of a registered higher education provider takes effect on the day specified in the notice provided to that provider under subsection (2)(a) .

49.   Renewal of registration

(1)  A registered higher education provider may apply for the renewal of the registration not less than 6 calendar months before the registration ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of registration as a registered higher education provider, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first registration as a registered higher education provider.

(3)  [Section 49 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 56, Applied:29 May 2015] A registered higher education provider must comply with the written requirement of the Office that the registration certificate be surrendered to the Office for the purpose of amending it or replacing it as the Office determines appropriate on the renewal of the registration.

50.   Registration not transferable

The registration of a person as a registered higher education provider may not be transferred to any other person.

51.   Direction to registered higher education provider

(1)  [Section 51 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 57, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may direct a registered higher education provider to take any action the Office considers appropriate or refrain from doing any act if the Office is of the opinion that –

(a) the registered higher education provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the registered higher education provider has contravened a condition to which the registration is subject; or

(c) [Section 51 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 21, Applied:01 Jan 2008] it is appropriate to give the direction having taken into account the matters specified in section 43(2) and (2A) ; or

(d) the standards relating to the provision and assessment of an accredited higher education course by the registered higher education provider fail to meet any relevant national standards or the standards proposed by that provider in his, her or its application for accreditation of the course.

(2)  A direction is to be in writing provided to the registered higher education provider.

(3)  A registered higher education provider must comply with a direction provided under this section.

52.   Cancellation or suspension of registration

(1)  [Section 52 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 58, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel or suspend the registration of a registered higher education provider if, after allowing the registered higher education provider an opportunity to make submissions in respect of the matter, the Office is satisfied that –

(a) the registered higher education provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the registered higher education provider has contravened a condition to which the registration is subject; or

(c) [Section 52 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 22, Applied:01 Jan 2008] it is appropriate to so cancel or suspend the registration having taken into account the matters specified in section 43(2) , (2A) and (2B) ; or

(d) the registered higher education provider has not complied with a direction under section 51 within the time specified in the direction.

(2)  [Section 52 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 58, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to cancel the registration of a registered higher education provider if the provider has surrendered the registration certificate and requested that the registration be cancelled.

53.   

[Section 53 Repealed by No. 59 of 2007, s. 23, Applied:01 Jan 2008] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

54.   

[Section 54 Repealed by No. 59 of 2007, s. 23, Applied:01 Jan 2008] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

55.   Conferral or issue of approved qualification

If a person successfully completes an accredited higher education course provided by a registered higher education provider, that provider, by written statement or otherwise, must recognise that completion by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification for that course.

Division 4 - Approval of overseas higher education provider

55A.   Application for approval

[Section 55A of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55A Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 59, Applied:29 May 2015] An overseas higher education institution that proposes to provide in Tasmania a higher education course may apply to the Office for approval as an approved overseas higher education provider.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 59, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) if the overseas higher education institution is accredited, registered, licensed or otherwise approved under a law of the country in which it was originally established, accompanied by –

(i) evidence of that accreditation, registration, licence or other approval; and

(ii) [Section 55A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 59, Applied:29 May 2015] permission for the person or body responsible for that accreditation, registration, licence or other approval to provide information relating to the applicant to the Office; and

(c) if the applicant is authorised under a corresponding law that corresponds to this Division to provide in another State or a Territory a higher education course by reason of its registration, accreditation, licence or other approval under that corresponding law or has made an application for such registration, accreditation, licence or approval, accompanied by –

(i) either evidence of that registration, accreditation, licence or other approval under the corresponding law or the application for such registration, accreditation, licence or approval; and

(ii) [Section 55A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 59, Applied:29 May 2015] permission in writing for the person or authority that registers, accredits, licenses or otherwise approves overseas higher education institutions under that corresponding law to provide to the Office details of that registration, accreditation, licence or other approval or of that application; and

(d) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55A Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 59, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and any further permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

55B.   Approval as approved overseas higher education provider

[Section 55B of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55B Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55A , the Office may –

(a) approve the applicant as an approved overseas higher education provider; or

(b) refuse to so approve the applicant.

(2)  [Section 55B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to approve an overseas higher education institution that is not registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any national standards relating to the approval of overseas higher education institutions; and

(b) the international standing and standards of the person or body responsible for the accreditation, registration, licensing or other recognition of the institution in the country in which it was originally established; and

(c) the standing and standards of the institution and the higher education courses it provides; and

(d) the processes provided by the applicant in respect of quality assurance; and

(e) the delivery and assessment methods used in respect of the higher education course to be provided by the applicant; and

(f) the premises, equipment, materials, staff and resources proposed to be used in Tasmania in respect of the higher education course to be provided by the applicant; and

(g) the manner in which the proposed course is to be provided in Tasmania and the local issues that may impact on delivery of the course; and

(h) [Section 55B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 55B Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to approve an overseas higher education institution that is registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) local issues that may impact on delivery by the institution of a higher education course in Tasmania; and

(b) any of the matters specified in subsection (2) ; and

(c) any other relevant matter.

(4)  [Section 55B Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may approve an overseas higher education institution that is registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved by a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course without having regard to the matters specified in subsection (2) if satisfied that –

(a) the institution is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law; and

(b) the institution is to deliver that higher education course in Tasmania in substantially the same manner as in the jurisdiction where it is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law.

(5)  [Section 55B Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] On approving an overseas higher education institution, the Office is to –

(a) specify the title the institution may use in Tasmania having regard to the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; and

(b) approve the higher education courses, not being accredited higher education courses, that the institution is authorised to provide to students in Tasmania; and

(c) approve the qualifications that the institution is authorised to confer or issue for the successful completion of those approved overseas higher education courses.

(6)  [Section 55B Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 60, Applied:29 May 2015] On approving or refusing to approve an overseas higher education institution, the Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of that decision.

55C.   Approval subject to conditions

[Section 55C of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55C Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 61, Applied:29 May 2015] On approving an overseas higher education institution as an approved overseas higher education provider and at any other time, the Office may –

(a) impose conditions to which the approval as an approved overseas higher education provider is subject; and

(b) amend any such conditions.

(2)  [Section 55C Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 61, Applied:29 May 2015] Without limiting the conditions that the Office may impose, the Office may impose conditions relating to –

(a) the use of its title in Tasmania; and

(b) the manner of and arrangements for the delivery of an approved overseas higher education course.

(3)  A condition imposed under this section, or the amendment under this section of such a condition, takes effect on the day on which the approved overseas higher education provider receives written notice of the condition, or amendment, or on a later day specified in that notice.

55D.   Approval certificate

[Section 55D of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55D Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 62, Applied:29 May 2015] On approving an overseas higher education institution as an approved overseas higher education provider, the Office is to issue an approval certificate to that provider.

(2)  An approval certificate is to specify –

(a) which approved overseas higher education courses and accredited higher education courses, or the classes of such higher education courses, the approved overseas higher education provider is authorised to provide; and

(b) which approved overseas higher education qualification the approved overseas higher education provider is authorised to confer or issue in respect of those courses; and

(c) any conditions imposed under section 55C ; and

(d) the period for which the overseas higher education provider is approved; and

(e) [Section 55D Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 62, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 55D Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 62, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office under section 55C imposes conditions on the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider otherwise than on the grant of that approval, or amends any such conditions, the Office is to amend the approval certificate or issue a replacement approval certificate.

(4)  Conditions to which the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider is subject may be specified in an approval certificate by –

(a) specifying those conditions in or on the certificate; or

(b) attaching those conditions to the certificate; or

(c) providing to the approved overseas higher education provider a written notice containing those conditions.

55E.   Term of approval

[Section 55E of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  The approval of an approved overseas higher education provider that, immediately before being approved, was not registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course has effect for the period not exceeding 5 years specified in the approval certificate.

(2)  The approval of an approved overseas higher education provider that, immediately before being approved, was registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under a corresponding law in relation to the provision of a higher education course has effect for the period for which the provider is so registered, accredited, licensed or otherwise approved under the corresponding law unless sooner cancelled.

(3)  Approval of an overseas higher education institution as an approved overseas higher education provider takes effect on the day the approval certificate is issued or on a later day specified in that certificate.

55F.   Approval fee

[Section 55F of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] An approved overseas higher education provider must pay any prescribed approval fee.

55G.   Amendment of approval

[Section 55G of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55G Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 63, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may amend the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider on the request of the approved overseas higher education provider or at its own discretion.

(2)  [Section 55G Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 63, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office amends a registration under subsection (1) , the Office is to –

(a) notify the approved overseas higher education provider, in writing, of that amendment; and

(b) either endorse that amendment on the approval certificate or provide the approved overseas higher education provider with a replacement approval certificate.

(3)  The amendment of the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider takes effect on the day specified in the notice provided to that provider under subsection (2)(a) .

55H.   Renewal of approval

[Section 55H of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  An approved overseas higher education provider may apply for the renewal of the approval not less than 6 calendar months before the approval ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of approval as an approved overseas higher education provider, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first approval as an approved overseas higher education provider.

(3)  [Section 55H Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 64, Applied:29 May 2015] An approved overseas higher education provider must comply with the written requirement of the Office that the approval certificate be surrendered to the Office for the purpose of amending it, or replacing it, as the Office determines appropriate on the renewal of the approval.

55I.   Approval not transferable

[Section 55I of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The approval of an overseas higher education institution as an approved overseas higher education provider may not be transferred to any other person.

55J.   Direction to approved overseas higher education provider

[Section 55J of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55J Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 65, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may direct an approved overseas higher education provider to take any action the Office considers appropriate or refrain from doing any act if the Office is of the opinion that –

(a) the approved overseas higher education provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the approved overseas higher education provider has contravened a condition to which the approval is subject; or

(c) it is appropriate to give the direction having taken into account the matters specified in section 55B(2) and (3) ; or

(d) the standards relating to the provision and assessment of an accredited higher education course or an approved overseas higher education course by the approved overseas higher education provider fail to meet any relevant standards or the standards proposed by that provider in its application for accreditation of the course or approval of the course as an approved overseas higher education course.

(2)  A direction is to be in writing provided to the approved overseas higher education provider.

(3)  An approved overseas higher education provider must comply with a direction provided under this section.

55K.   Cancellation of approval of higher education course

[Section 55K of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55K Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 66, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may, at any time in writing, cancel the approval of a higher education course that the approved overseas higher education provider is authorised to provide in Tasmania if the Office is satisfied that it is no longer appropriate for the course to be so approved.

(2)  A cancellation takes effect on the day specified in it.

55L.   Cancellation or suspension of approval of approved overseas higher education provider

[Section 55L of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55L Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 67, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel or suspend the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider if, after allowing the provider an opportunity to make submissions in respect of the matter, the Office is satisfied that –

(a) the provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the provider has contravened a condition to which the approval is subject; or

(c) it is appropriate to so cancel or suspend the approval having taken into account the matters specified in section 55B(2) , (3) and (4) ; or

(d) the provider has not complied with a direction under section 55J within the time specified in the direction.

(2)  [Section 55L Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 67, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to cancel the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider if the provider has surrendered the approval certificate and requested that the approval be cancelled.

55M.   Conferral or issue of approved qualification

[Section 55M of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] If a person successfully completes an accredited higher education course or an approved overseas higher education course provided by an approved overseas higher education provider, that provider, by written statement or otherwise, must recognise that completion by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification or approved overseas higher education qualification for that course.

Division 5 - Self-accrediting higher education providers

55N.   Application to be self-accrediting higher education provider

[Section 55N of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55N Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 68, Applied:29 May 2015] A person that provides, or proposes to provide, in Tasmania a higher education course may apply to the Office for the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55N Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 68, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55N Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 68, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and any permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

55O.   Grant of status of self-accrediting higher education provider

[Section 55O of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55O Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55N , the Office may –

(a) grant to the applicant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider; or

(b) refuse to so grant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider.

(2)  [Section 55O Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] The grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider may relate to any field of study at any qualification level offered or to be offered by the applicant, or to a particular field of study or a particular qualification level, or both, as specified by the Office.

(3)  [Section 55O Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to grant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider to an applicant, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any national standards relating to the processes for awarding self-accrediting status to providers of higher education courses that are not universities; and

(b) the effectiveness and level of governance, decision-making processes, teaching, learning, scholarship and, if relevant, research; and

(c) the compliance with, or ability to comply with, the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; and

(d) the structures and processes proposed to be used by the applicant in setting standards for the qualifications to be conferred or issued that are equivalent to qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework or, if relevant, internationally recognised qualifications; and

(e) how long the applicant has been providing higher education courses; and

(f) the premises, equipment, materials, staff and resources proposed to be used in Tasmania in respect of the higher education courses to be provided by the applicant; and

(g) [Section 55O Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(4)  [Section 55O Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may refuse, but is not obliged to refuse, to grant to an applicant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider if the applicant has less than 10 years experience in providing higher education courses.

(5)  [Section 55O Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may only grant to an applicant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider if satisfied that the applicant meets, or will meet on being granted that status, the standards required of a self-accrediting higher education institution under the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes.

(6)  [Section 55O Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 69, Applied:29 May 2015] On granting or refusing to grant to the applicant the status of self-accrediting higher education provider, the Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of that decision.

55P.   Grant of status subject to conditions

[Section 55P of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55P Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 70, Applied:29 May 2015] On granting to a person the status of self-accrediting higher education provider and at any other time, the Office may –

(a) impose conditions to which the grant is subject; and

(b) amend any such conditions.

(2)  A condition imposed under this section, or the amendment under this section of such a condition, takes effect on the day on which the self-accrediting higher education provider receives written notice of the condition, or amendment, or on a later day specified in that notice.

55Q.   Certificate of self-accrediting status

[Section 55Q of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55Q Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 71, Applied:29 May 2015] On granting to a person the status of self-accrediting higher education provider, the Office is to issue a certificate of self-accrediting status to the person.

(2)  A certificate of self-accrediting status is to specify –

(a) whether the status of self-accrediting higher education provider applies to any field of study at any qualification level offered or to be offered by the applicant, or to a particular field of study or a particular qualification level, or both; and

(b) if the status of self-accrediting higher education provider applies only to a particular field of study or a particular qualification level, or both, the fields of study and qualifications levels to which it applies; and

(c) any conditions imposed under section 55P ; and

(d) the period for which the status of self-accrediting higher education provider is granted; and

(e) [Section 55Q Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 71, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 55Q Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 71, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office under section 55P imposes conditions on the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider otherwise than on the grant of that status, or amends any such conditions or the grant of status, the Office is to amend the certificate of self-accrediting status or issue a replacement certificate of self-accrediting status.

(4)  Conditions to which the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider is subject may be specified in a certificate of self-accrediting status by –

(a) specifying those conditions in or on the certificate; or

(b) attaching those conditions to the certificate; or

(c) providing to the self-accrediting higher education provider a written notice containing those conditions.

55R.   Term of grant of status

[Section 55R of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  The grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider has effect for the period not exceeding 5 years specified in the certificate of self-accrediting status.

(2)  The grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider takes effect on the day the certificate of self-accrediting status is issued or on a later day specified in that certificate.

55S.   Self-accreditation fee

[Section 55S of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A self-accrediting higher education provider must pay any prescribed self-accreditation fee.

55T.   Amendment of grant of status

[Section 55T of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55T Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 72, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may amend the grant of the status of a self-accrediting higher education provider on the request of the self-accrediting higher education provider or at its own discretion.

(2)  Without limiting the amendments that may be made to the grant of the status of a self-accrediting higher education provider, the grant may be amended to expand, or limit or further limit, the fields of study or qualification levels to which that status applies.

(3)  [Section 55T Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 72, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office amends a grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider under subsection (1) , the Office is to –

(a) notify the self-accrediting higher education provider, in writing, of that amendment; and

(b) either endorse that amendment on the certificate of self-accrediting status or provide the self-accrediting higher education provider with a replacement certificate of self-accrediting status.

(4)  The amendment of the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider takes effect on the day specified in the notice provided to that provider under subsection (3)(a) .

55U.   Renewal of grant of status

[Section 55U of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  A self-accrediting higher education provider may apply for the renewal of the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider not less than 6 calendar months before the grant ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first grant of that status.

(3)  [Section 55U Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 73, Applied:29 May 2015] A self-accrediting higher education provider must comply with the written requirement of the Office that the certificate of self-accrediting status be surrendered to the Office for the purpose of amending it, or replacing it, as the Office determines appropriate on the renewal of the grant of status.

55V.   Grant of status not transferable

[Section 55V of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider may not be transferred to any other person.

55W.   Direction to self-accrediting higher education provider

[Section 55W of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55W Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 74, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may direct a self-accrediting higher education provider to take any action the Office considers appropriate or refrain from doing any act if the Office is of the opinion that –

(a) the self-accrediting higher education provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the self-accrediting higher education provider has contravened a condition to which the grant of status is subject; or

(c) it is appropriate to give the direction having taken into account the matters specified in section 55O(3) ; or

(d) the self-accrediting higher education provider fails to meet the standards for a self-accrediting higher education institution set out in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes.

(2)  A direction is to be in writing provided to the self-accrediting higher education provider.

(3)  A self-accrediting higher education provider must comply with a direction provided under this section.

55X.   Cancellation or suspension of grant of status

[Section 55X of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55X Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 75, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel or suspend the grant of status of self-accrediting higher education provider if, after allowing the self-accrediting higher education provider an opportunity to make submissions in respect of the matter, the Office is satisfied that –

(a) the provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the provider has contravened a condition to which the grant of status is subject; or

(c) it is appropriate to so cancel or suspend the grant of status having taken into account the matters specified in section 55O(3) and (5) ; or

(d) the provider fails to meet the standards for a self-accrediting higher education institution set out in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; or

(e) the provider has not complied with a direction under section 55W within the time specified in the direction.

(2)  [Section 55X Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 75, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to cancel the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider if the provider has surrendered the certificate of self-accrediting status and requested that the grant of status be cancelled.

55Y.   Conferral or issue of qualification

[Section 55Y of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] If a person successfully completes a higher education course accredited and provided by a self-accrediting higher education provider, that provider, by written statement or otherwise, must recognise that completion by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification for that course.

55Z.   Standards for provision and assessment of higher education courses

[Section 55Z of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A self-accrediting higher education provider is to –

(a) set or adopt standards for the provision and assessment of the higher education courses he, she or it provides; and

(b) determine the qualifications that are to be conferred or issued on the successful completion of such courses.

Division 6 - Offences

55ZA.   Offences relating to provision of higher education course

[Section 55ZA of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A person must not provide a higher education course in Tasmania unless –

(a) that course is an accredited higher education course or approved overseas higher education course; and

(b) that person is –

(i) a registered higher education provider authorised under this Act to provide that course; or

(ii) an approved overseas higher education provider authorised under this Act to provide that course; or

(iii) a self-accrediting higher education provider.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZB.   Offences relating to conferral or issue of higher education award

[Section 55ZB of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  In this section –

higher education award giver means –

(a) a registered higher education provider; or

(b) an approved overseas higher education provider; or

(c) a self-accrediting higher education provider; or

(d) a person who is otherwise lawfully able to confer or issue a higher education award.

(2)  A person must not –

(a) confer or issue a higher education award; or

(b) claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that he, she or it is authorised or able to confer or issue a higher education award; or

(c) provide or offer to provide, or claim or otherwise represent in any manner that he, she or it is authorised or able to provide, a course the successful completion of which leads to the conferral or issue of a higher education award by the person –

unless the person is a higher education award giver lawfully able to confer or issue that award, or a person acting on behalf of such a higher education award giver.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

(3)  A person must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that he, she or it is authorised or able to provide a course of study the successful completion of which leads to the conferral or issue of a higher education award by another person knowing that the other person is not lawfully able to confer or issue that higher education award.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZC.   Offences relating to claim to be registered, approved overseas or self-accrediting higher education provider

[Section 55ZC of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  A person who is not a registered higher education provider must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that he, she or it is a registered higher education provider.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

(2)  A person who is not an approved overseas higher education provider must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that he, she or it is an approved overseas higher education provider.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

(3)  A person who is not a self-accrediting higher education provider must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that he, she or it is a self-accrediting higher education provider.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZD.   Offences by registered higher education providers

[Section 55ZD of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A registered higher education provider must not –

(a) confer or issue in respect of the successful completion of an accredited course a qualification other than the approved qualification for that course; or

(b) contravene the conditions to which the registration is subject.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZE.   Offences by approved overseas higher education provider

[Section 55ZE of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] An approved overseas higher education provider must not –

(a) use a title other than one it is authorised to use under this Act; or

(b) confer or issue in respect of the successful completion of an accredited course or an approved overseas higher education course a qualification other than the approved qualification or approved overseas higher education qualification for that course; or

(c) contravene the conditions to which the approval is subject.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZF.   Offences by self-accrediting higher education provider

[Section 55ZF of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A self-accrediting higher education provider must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner that he, she or it has the status of a self-accrediting higher education provider in a field of study or qualification level in which he, she or it does not have that status.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZG.   Offences relating to use of "university", &c.

[Section 55ZG of Part 4 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 24, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  In this section –

overseas university means a provider of higher education that –

(a) is an overseas higher education institution; and

(b) [Section 55ZG Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 76, Applied:29 May 2015] is declared by the Office to be an overseas university for the purposes of this definition.

(2)  A person who provides education must not use the word "university" or "universities" in his, her or its title or description, or in any other way represent that the person is a university or part of a university, unless the person is –

(a) an Australian university or part of an Australian university; or

(b) an overseas university or part of an overseas university; or

(c) the organisation known as "U3A" or the University of the Third Age; or

(d) a prescribed person; or

(e) otherwise authorised to do so by this Act or by or under another Act.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

PART 4A - Other Education

Division 1 - Accredited other education courses

[Division 1 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZH.   Application for accreditation of other education course

(1)  [Section 55ZH Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 77, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who provides, or proposes to provide, an other education course in Tasmania or elsewhere may apply to the Office for accreditation of that course.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55ZH Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 77, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55ZH Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 77, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information it considers relevant to the application.

55ZI.   Accreditation of other education course

(1)  [Section 55ZI Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 78, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55ZH , the Office may –

(a) accredit the other education course; or

(b) refuse to accredit the other education course.

(2)  [Section 55ZI Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 78, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to accredit the other education course, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) the aims and learning outcomes of the course; and

(b) the processes provided, or proposed to be provided, by the applicant in respect of quality assurance; and

(c) the delivery and assessment methods used, or proposed to be used, in respect of the course, or to be provided; and

(d) [Section 55ZI Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 78, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 55ZI Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 78, Applied:29 May 2015] When accrediting an other education course, the Office is to determine the qualification that will be conferred or issued on the successful completion of the course.

(4)  [Section 55ZI Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 78, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of its decision under this section.

55ZJ.   Term of accreditation of other education course

[Section 55ZJ Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 79, Applied:29 May 2015] An accredited other education course is accredited for the period, not exceeding 5 years, determined by the Office.

55ZK.   Renewal of accreditation as other education course

(1)  A person who applied for the accreditation of an other education course may apply for the renewal of the accreditation of that course not less than 6 calendar months before the accreditation ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Part applies in respect of –

(a) an application for renewal of the accreditation of an other education course as if the application were an application for a first accreditation as an accredited other education course; and

(b) the renewal of an other education course as if the renewal were a first accreditation as an other education course.

55ZL.   Cancellation of accreditation as accredited other education course

(1)  [Section 55ZL Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 80, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may, at any time in writing, cancel the accreditation of an accredited other education course if –

(a) the person providing the course fails to meet standards set or adopted for the provision and assessment of the course under section 55ZN ; or

(b) [Section 55ZL Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 80, Applied:29 May 2015] the Office, having regard to the matters specified in section 55ZI(2) , is no longer satisfied that the course should be accredited.

(2)  A cancellation takes effect on the day specified in it.

55ZM.   Conferral or issue of approved qualification

If a person successfully completes an accredited other education course provided by another person, that other person, by written statement or otherwise, must recognise that completion by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification for that course.

55ZN.   Standards for provision and assessment of accredited other education courses

(1)  [Section 55ZN Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 81, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may set or adopt standards for the provision and assessment of an accredited other education course.

(2)  [Section 55ZN Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 81, Applied:29 May 2015] For the purpose of ensuring that the provision and assessment of an accredited other education course meets standards set under subsection (1) , the Office may give to a person providing or proposing to provide that course a written direction to do anything the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  A person must comply with a direction given under subsection (2) .

55ZO.   Offence of falsely claiming to provide accredited other education course

A person who provides a course must not claim, or otherwise represent in any manner, that it is an accredited other education course unless the course is an accredited other education course.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

Division 2 - Other education otherwise than by completion of accredited other education course

[Division 2 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZP.   Examination or assessment of other education

[Section 55ZP Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 82, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may determine procedures and arrangements, and may set, conduct or arrange for the conduct of and mark examinations and assessments, for the assessment of persons in respect of other education that has been obtained otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited other education course.

55ZQ.   Other education qualification

[Section 55ZQ Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 83, Applied:29 May 2015] If a person meets the standards required by the Office for success in an examination or assessment of the person's other education that was obtained otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited other education course, the Office is to issue to the person the approved qualification for that examination or assessment.

55ZR.   Standards and qualifications for other education

[Section 55ZR Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 84, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may –

(a) set or adopt standards for examinations and assessments of the other education obtained by a person otherwise than by the successful completion of an accredited other education course; and

(b) determine qualifications for the successful completion of such examinations and assessments.

PART 4B - Education for Overseas Students

Division 1 - Prohibitions relating to provision of education to overseas students, &c.

[Division 1 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZS.   Prohibitions relating to provision of education to overseas students, &c.

(1)  [Section 55ZS Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] A person must not –

(a) enrol an overseas student in an education program; or

(b) offer to, or enter into an agreement to, enrol an overseas student in an education program; or

(c) advertise an education program provided, or to be provided, to overseas students; or

(d) provide an education program to overseas students –

unless the person is a registered education (overseas students) provider or is registered as a provider under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 of the Commonwealth.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

(2)  A registered education (overseas students) provider must not –

(a) enrol an overseas student for an education program that is not an accredited education program he, she or it is authorised to provide under this Act; or

(b) offer to, or enter into an agreement to, enrol an overseas student for an education program that is not an accredited education program he, she or it is authorised to provide under this Act; or

(c) advertise for overseas students an education program that is not an accredited education program he, she or it is authorised to provide under this Act; or

(d) provide for overseas students an education program that is not an accredited education program he, she or it is authorised to provide under this Act.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

Division 2 - Accreditation of education programs

[Division 2 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZT.   Application for accreditation of education program

(1)  [Section 55ZT Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 85, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who proposes to provide an education program to overseas students may apply to the Office for accreditation of that program for provision to overseas students.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55ZT Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 85, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee; and

(c) if the application relates to an accredited course or accredited training course, accompanied by details of that accreditation; and

(d) if the application relates to an education program that is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law for provision to overseas students, accompanied by –

(i) either evidence that the program is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law or the application for the course to be so accredited, registered or otherwise approved; and

(ii) [Section 55ZT Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 85, Applied:29 May 2015] permission in writing for the person or authority that accredits, registers or otherwise approves education programs under that corresponding law to provide to the Office details of that accreditation, registration or other approval.

(3)  [Section 55ZT Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 85, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information and permissions for the release of information it considers relevant to the application.

55ZU.   Accreditation of education program

(1)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55ZT , the Office may –

(a) accredit the education program for provision to overseas students; or

(b) refuse to so accredit the education program.

(2)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether to accredit a proposed education program for provision to overseas students, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any relevant national standards in relation to the principles, process or other matters to be applied in accrediting education programs for overseas students; and

(b) whether each of the following matters is adequately provided for and of sufficient standard to allow the conferral or issue of a qualification on the successful completion of the proposed education program:

(i) the aims and learning outcomes of the proposed education program;

(ii) the scope of the studies involved in the proposed education program;

(iii) the manner in which the proposed education program is to be delivered;

(iv) the processes to be used to monitor the progress and attendance of a student;

(v) the assessment processes to be used to determine whether a student has achieved the learning outcomes of the proposed education program; and

(c) whether the contents and standards of the proposed education program, and the methods of delivering the proposed education program, are consistent with any relevant national standards in relation to the principles, process or other matters to be applied in accrediting or otherwise authorising education programs for overseas students; and

(d) the place in which the proposed education program will be delivered; and

(e) the maximum number of overseas students that may undertake the proposed education program; and

(f) the duration of the proposed education program; and

(g) [Section 55ZU Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether to accredit a proposed education program for provision to overseas students, if that program is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law for provision to overseas students, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) local issues that may impact on delivery of the program in Tasmania; and

(b) any of the matters specified in subsection (2) ; and

(c) any other relevant matter.

(4)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may accredit a proposed education program that is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law for provision to overseas students without having regard to the matters specified in subsection (2) if satisfied that –

(a) the program is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law; and

(b) the program is to be delivered in Tasmania in substantially the same manner as in the jurisdiction where it is so accredited, registered or otherwise approved.

(5)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] On accrediting a proposed education program for provision to overseas students, the Office is to determine the qualification that will be conferred or issued on the successful completion of the program.

(6)  [Section 55ZU Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 86, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, as to whether it has accredited or refused to accredit the proposed education program.

55ZV.   Term of accreditation of accredited education program

(1)  An accredited education program that consists of an accredited course or accredited training course is accredited for the period for which it is accredited as an accredited course or accredited training course.

(2)  If an accredited education program is accredited on the basis that it was already accredited, registered or otherwise approved under a corresponding law for provision to overseas students, the accredited education program is accredited for the period for which it is accredited, registered or otherwise approved under the corresponding law.

(3)  [Section 55ZV Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 87, Applied:29 May 2015] Any other accredited education program is accredited for the period, not exceeding 5 years, determined by the Office.

55ZW.   Accredited education program subject to conditions

(1)  [Section 55ZW Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 88, Applied:29 May 2015] The accreditation of an accredited education program is subject to any condition determined by the Office and notified in writing to the registered education (overseas students) provider providing the accredited program.

(2)  [Section 55ZW Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 88, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may at any time impose a condition on the accreditation of an accredited education program or amend the conditions to which an accredited education program is subject by notifying, in writing, the registered education (overseas students) provider providing the accredited education program.

55ZX.   Renewal of accreditation as accredited education program

(1)  A person who applied for the accreditation of an education program for provision to overseas students may apply for the renewal of the accreditation of the accredited education program not less than 6 calendar months before the accreditation ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of the accreditation of an accredited education program, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first accreditation as an accredited education program.

55ZY.   Cancellation of accreditation as accredited education program

(1)  [Section 55ZY Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 89, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office, at any time by written notice provided to the registered education (overseas students) provider providing an accredited education program, may cancel the accreditation of the accredited education program if the Office is satisfied that it is no longer appropriate for the program to be accredited for provision to overseas students.

(2)  A cancellation takes effect on the day specified in it.

(3)  [Section 55ZY Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 89, Applied:29 May 2015] On cancelling the accreditation of an accredited education program, the Office may –

(a) arrange for an overseas student being provided with the accredited education program to be provided with a similar education program by that or another registered education (overseas students) provider or an education provider in another State or a Territory; and

(b) [Section 55ZY Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 89, Applied:29 May 2015] require the registered education (overseas students) provider who was providing that accredited education program to an overseas student to make such refund in relation to a fee paid for the provision of that accredited education program to the overseas student as the Office determines to be appropriate.

(4)  A registered education (overseas students) provider must comply with a requirement made under subsection (3)(b) .

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

Division 3 - Registration of education (overseas students) provider

[Division 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZZ.   Application for registration

(1)  [Section 55ZZ Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 90, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who proposes to provide an education program to overseas students in Tasmania or elsewhere may apply to the Office for registration as a registered education (overseas students) provider.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55ZZ Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 90, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55ZZ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 90, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information, and any permissions for the release of information, it considers relevant to the application.

55ZZA.   Registration as registered education (overseas students) provider

(1)  [Section 55ZZA Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 91, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55ZZ , the Office may –

(a) register the applicant as a registered education (overseas students) provider; or

(b) refuse to so register the applicant.

(2)  [Section 55ZZA Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 91, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to register an applicant, the Office is to have regard to –

(a) any national standards relating to –

(i) the registration, licensing, approval or other recognition of persons who provide education programs to overseas students; or

(ii) the provision of education programs to overseas students; and

(b) the processes proposed to be provided by the applicant in respect of quality assurance; and

(c) the delivery and assessment methods proposed to be used in respect of the education programs to be provided by the applicant; and

(d) the premises, equipment, materials, staff and resources proposed to be used in respect of the education programs proposed to be provided by the applicant; and

(e) the financial viability of the applicant; and

(f) the provisions proposed to be made for overseas students should the applicant be unable to provide the education program for which they are enrolled; and

(g) [Section 55ZZA Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 91, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 55ZZA Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 91, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering or refusing to register an applicant, the Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of that decision.

55ZZB.   Registration subject to conditions

(1)  [Section 55ZZB Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 92, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering a person as a registered education (overseas students) provider and at any other time, the Office may –

(a) impose conditions to which the registration as a registered education (overseas students) provider is subject; and

(b) amend any such conditions.

(2)  [Section 55ZZB Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 92, Applied:29 May 2015] Without limiting the conditions that the Office may impose, the Office may impose one or more of the following conditions:

(a) [Section 55ZZB Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 92, Applied:29 May 2015] that the registered education (overseas students) provider must hold a policy of indemnity insurance, or a guarantee, approved by the Office;

(b) [Section 55ZZB Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 92, Applied:29 May 2015] that the registered education (overseas students) provider must participate in an indemnity scheme approved by the Office.

(3)  A condition imposed under this section, or the amendment under this section of such a condition, takes effect on the day on which the registered education (overseas students) provider receives written notice of the condition, or amendment, or on a later day specified in that notice.

55ZZC.   Registration (overseas students) certificate

(1)  [Section 55ZZC Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 93, Applied:29 May 2015] On registering a person as a registered education (overseas students) provider, the Office is to issue a registration (overseas students) certificate to the person.

(2)  A registration (overseas students) certificate is to specify –

(a) which accredited education programs the registered education (overseas students) provider is authorised to provide; and

(b) which qualifications, if any, the registered education (overseas students) provider is authorised to confer or issue in respect of those programs; and

(c) any conditions imposed under section 55ZZB ; and

(d) the period for which the registered education (overseas students) provider is registered; and

(e) [Section 55ZZC Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 93, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 55ZZC Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 93, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office under section 55ZZB imposes conditions on the registration of the registered education (overseas students) provider otherwise than on the grant of that registration, or amends any such conditions, the Office is to amend the registration (overseas students) certificate or issue a replacement registration (overseas students) certificate.

(4)  Conditions to which the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider is subject may be specified in a registration (overseas students) certificate by –

(a) specifying those conditions in or on the certificate; or

(b) attaching those conditions to the certificate; or

(c) providing to the registered education (overseas students) provider a written notice containing those conditions.

55ZZD.   Term of registration

(1)  The registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider has effect for the period not exceeding 5 years specified in the registration (overseas students) certificate.

(2)  Registration of a person as a registered education (overseas students) provider takes effect on the day the registration (overseas students) certificate is issued or on a later day specified in that certificate.

55ZZE.   Registration fee

A registered education (overseas students) provider must pay any prescribed registration fee.

55ZZF.   Amendment of registration

(1)  [Section 55ZZF Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 94, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may amend the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider on the request of the registered education (overseas students) provider or at its own discretion.

(2)  [Section 55ZZF Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 94, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office amends a registration under subsection (1) , the Office is to –

(a) notify the registered education (overseas students) provider, in writing, of that amendment; and

(b) either endorse that amendment on the registration (overseas students) certificate or provide the registered education (overseas students) provider with a replacement registration (overseas students) certificate.

(3)  The amendment of the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider takes effect on the day specified in the notice provided to that provider under subsection (2)(a) .

55ZZG.   Renewal of registration

(1)  A registered education (overseas students) provider may apply for the renewal of the registration not less than 6 calendar months before the registration ceases to have effect.

(2)  This Division applies in respect of an application for renewal of registration as a registered education (overseas students) provider, and that renewal, as if the application were an application for a first registration as a registered education (overseas students) provider.

(3)  [Section 55ZZG Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 95, Applied:29 May 2015] A registered education (overseas students) provider must comply with the written requirement of the Office that the registration (overseas students) certificate be surrendered to the Office for the purpose of amending it, or replacing it, as the Office determines appropriate on the renewal of the registration.

55ZZH.   Registration not transferable

The registration of a person as a registered education (overseas students) provider may not be transferred to any other person.

55ZZI.   Direction to registered education (overseas students) provider

(1)  [Section 55ZZI Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 96, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may direct a registered education (overseas students) provider to take any action the Office considers appropriate or refrain from doing any act if the Office is of the opinion that –

(a) the registered education (overseas students) provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the registered education (overseas students) provider has contravened a condition to which the registration is subject; or

(c) it is appropriate to give the direction having taken into account the matters specified in section 55ZZA(2) ; or

(d) the standards relating to the provision and assessment of an accredited education program by the registered education (overseas students) provider fail to meet any relevant standards or the standards proposed by that provider in his, her or its application for accreditation of the education program.

(2)  A direction is to be in writing provided to the registered education (overseas students) provider.

(3)  A registered education (overseas students) provider must comply with a direction provided under this section.

55ZZJ.   Cancellation or suspension of registration

(1)  [Section 55ZZJ Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 97, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel or suspend the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider if, after allowing the provider an opportunity to make submissions in respect of the matter, the Office is satisfied that –

(a) the provider has contravened this Act; or

(b) the provider has been found guilty of an offence under any law of Tasmania or any other place in relation to the provision of an education program to, or a dealing relating to, a person who is an overseas student or is not a citizen or permanent resident of that place; or

(c) the provider has contravened a condition to which the registration is subject; or

(d) it is appropriate to so cancel or suspend the registration having taken into account the matters specified in section 55ZZA(2) ; or

(e) it is in the public interest to so cancel or suspend the registration; or

(f) the provider has not complied with a direction under section 55ZZI within the time specified in the direction.

(2)  [Section 55ZZJ Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 97, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to cancel the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider if the provider has surrendered the registration (overseas students) certificate and requested that the approval be cancelled.

(3)  [Section 55ZZJ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 97, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office cancels the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider, the Office may –

(a) arrange for an overseas student being provided with a registered education program or an accredited course by that provider to be provided with that registered education program or accredited course, or a similar education program or course of study, by another registered education (overseas students) provider or a person in another State or a Territory who is authorised under a corresponding law to provide education programs to overseas students; and

(b) [Section 55ZZJ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 97, Applied:29 May 2015] require the registered education (overseas students) provider whose registration is cancelled to make such refund in respect of any fees paid in relation to an overseas student as the Office determines appropriate.

(4)  A registered education (overseas students) provider must comply with a requirement under subsection (3)(b) to make a refund.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.

55ZZK.   Conferral or issue of approved qualification

If a person successfully completes an accredited education program provided by a registered education (overseas students) provider, that provider, by written statement or otherwise, must recognise that completion by the conferral or issue of the approved qualification for that program.

PART 4C - Recognition of Other Qualifications

55ZZL.   Application for recognition of other qualifications

[Section 55ZZL Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55ZZL Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 98, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who provides, or is proposing to provide, formal education may apply to the Office for a qualification he, she or it confers or issues, or will confer or issue, in respect of that education to be recognised by the Office.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55ZZL Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 98, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55ZZL Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 98, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information it considers relevant to the application.

55ZZM.   Recognition of other qualification

[Section 55ZZM Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55ZZM Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 99, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application under section 55ZZL , the Office may –

(a) recognise the qualification conferred or issued, or to be conferred or issued, by the applicant; or

(b) refuse to so recognise that qualification.

(2)  [Section 55ZZM Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 99, Applied:29 May 2015] In determining whether or not to recognise the qualification, the Office may have regard to –

(a) the aims and learning outcomes of the formal education; and

(b) the processes provided, or proposed to be provided, by the applicant in respect of quality assurance; and

(c) the delivery and assessment methods used, or proposed to be used, in respect of the formal education provided, or to be provided; and

(d) [Section 55ZZM Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 99, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  [Section 55ZZM Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 99, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of its decision under this section.

55ZZN.   Cancellation of recognition

[Section 55ZZN Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 55ZZN Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 100, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may cancel its recognition of a recognised qualification –

(a) at any time; and

(b) for any reason it considers appropriate.

(2)  [Section 55ZZN Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 100, Applied:29 May 2015] Before cancelling its recognition of a recognised qualification, the Office is to –

(a) notify the person who confers or issues that qualification, in writing, that it is considering cancelling the recognition of that qualification; and

(b) [Section 55ZZN Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 100, Applied:29 May 2015] allow that person reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Office in respect of the matter.

(3)  [Section 55ZZN Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 100, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to notify the person who confers or issues the recognised qualification, in writing, of its decision under this section.

PART 4D - Establishing New University

Division 1 - Application for establishment of new university

[Division 1 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZZO.   Application for recommendation for establishment of new university

(1)  [Section 55ZZO Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 101, Applied:29 May 2015] A person who proposes to provide higher education courses to students, whether in Tasmania or elsewhere, at or from premises situated in Tasmania may apply to the Office for a recommendation that a new university be established by an Act.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) [Section 55ZZO Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 101, Applied:29 May 2015] in a form approved by the Office; and

(b) made not less than 30 months before the proposed commencement date of the higher education courses to which the application relates; and

(c) accompanied by any prescribed fee.

(3)  [Section 55ZZO Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 101, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may require the applicant to provide any further information it considers relevant to the application.

55ZZP.   Initial assessment of application

(1)  [Section 55ZZP Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 102, Applied:29 May 2015] On receipt of an application for an assessment recommendation, the Office is to assess the application to determine whether or not the applicant may be able to meet the relevant requirements set out in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes in relation to the establishment of new universities.

(2)  [Section 55ZZP Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 102, Applied:29 May 2015] In assessing the application, the Office may make such inquiries, and inform itself in such manner, as it considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 55ZZP Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 102, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of its decision under this section.

Division 2 - Investigation of application

[Division 2 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZZQ.   Investigation of application

(1)  [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office decides under section 55ZZP that an applicant for an assessment recommendation may be able to meet the relevant requirements set out in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes in relation to the establishment of new universities, the Office is to conduct an investigation for the purposes of making the assessment recommendation.

(2)  [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] In conducting the investigation, the Office must give notice of the application, and invite written submissions in relation to it, in 3 daily newspapers published and circulating generally in Tasmania.

(3)  [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] In conducting the investigation, the Office must –

(a) [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] allow the applicant a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions in relation to other submissions received by the Office; and

(b) obtain advice from persons it considers expert in university administration and the fields of study which the proposed university would offer to students; and

(c) [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] take into consideration all submissions received by the Office.

(4)  [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] In conducting the investigation, the Office may inform itself of any matter in any manner it considers appropriate including, but not limited to –

(a) holding hearings; and

(b) accepting oral submissions; and

(c) [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] establishing a committee to advise and assist the Office in undertaking the investigation.

(5)  [Section 55ZZQ Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 103, Applied:29 May 2015] In conducting the investigation, the Office is not bound by rules of evidence.

Division 3 - Recommendation of Office

[Division 3 of Part 4D Heading amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 104, Applied:29 May 2015] [Division 3 Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 25, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

55ZZR.   Recommendation of Office

(1)  [Section 55ZZR Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] After conducting an investigation in respect of an application under section 55ZZQ , the Office is to recommend to the Minister that the new university to which the application for the recommendation relates should or should not be established.

(2)  [Section 55ZZR Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] In making the recommendation, the Office is to consider –

(a) the advice obtained from persons it considers expert in university administration and the fields of study which the proposed university would offer to students; and

(b) the submissions received; and

(c) all other evidence obtained; and

(d) the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; and

(e) any other relevant national standards in respect of higher education and the establishment of Australian universities; and

(f) the processes proposed to be provided in respect of quality assurance; and

(g) the delivery and assessment methods proposed to be used in respect of the higher education courses to be provided; and

(h) the processes proposed to be used in respect of course accreditation; and

(i) the premises, equipment, materials, staff and resources proposed to be used in respect of the higher education courses to be provided; and

(j) the financial viability of the applicant for the recommendation; and

(k) [Section 55ZZR Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers relevant.

(3)  An assessment recommendation –

(a) is to set out the reasons for, and the evidence on which, the recommendation is based; and

(b) [Section 55ZZR Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] is to include any views or statements of a member of the Office which are contrary to the views and statements of the Office; and

(c) if the recommendation supports the establishment of a new university –

(i) is to include a recommendation in respect of the title of the new university taking into account the relevant provisions of the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes; and

(ii) [Section 55ZZR Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] may include other recommendations in respect of matters to be included in the legislation establishing the new university as the Office considers appropriate.

(4)  [Section 55ZZR Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] Before including a recommendation in respect of the title of the new university in an assessment recommendation, the Office is to consult with each authority, board or other person that has responsibility under a corresponding law for recommending or approving the name of a new provider of higher education that includes the term "university" or "university college".

(5)  [Section 55ZZR Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 105, Applied:29 May 2015] On making an assessment recommendation, the Office is to notify the applicant, in writing, of that recommendation.

PART 5 - Investigations and inspections

56.   Investigations

(1)  [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 106, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may conduct an investigation –

(a) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not –

(i) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] a course or education program should be accredited, or the accreditation of that course or education program renewed, under section 26 , 36 , 55ZI or 55ZU ; or

(ii) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the accreditation of an accredited course or accredited education program should be cancelled under section 29 , 40 , 55ZL or 55ZY ; or

(b) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine –

(i) under section 43 or 55ZZA , an application by a person to be registered as a registered higher education provider or registered education (overseas students) provider, or an application for the renewal of such registration; or

(ii) under section 55B , an application by an overseas higher education institution to be an approved overseas higher education provider, or an application for the renewal of such approval; or

(iii) under section 55O , an application by a person for the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider, or an application for the renewal of such grant of status; or

(iv) under section 33E , an application by an institution or other person to be registered as a registered student exchange organisation or for the renewal of such registration; or

(v) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 106, Applied:29 May 2015] under section 55ZZM , an application by a person for the Office to recognise a qualification the person confers or issues or proposes to confer or issue; or

(vi) under section 55ZZO , an application for an assessment recommendation; or

(vii) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(c) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not conditions should be imposed on –

(i) the accreditation of a higher education course, or of an education program; or

(ii) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the registration of a person as a registered higher education provider or registered education (overseas students) provider; or

(iii) the approval of an overseas higher education institution as an approved overseas higher education provider; or

(iv) the grant to a person of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider –

and whether or not any such conditions should be amended; or

(d) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not to amend –

(i) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the registration of a registered higher education provider or registered education (overseas students) provider; or

(ii) the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider; or

(iii) the grant to a person of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider; or

(iv) the registration of a registered student exchange organisation; or

(e) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not the conditions to which the provision of an accredited course or accredited education program is subject are being complied with by the person providing that course or program; or

(f) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] to determine whether or not a registered higher education provider, registered education (overseas students) provider, approved overseas higher education provider or self-accrediting higher education provider is complying with the conditions to which the registration, approval or grant of status is subject; or

(g) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not a registered student exchange organisation is complying with any guidelines issued under section 33L ; or

(ga) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] to monitor the standard of an accredited course or accredited education program being provided by a person; or

(gb) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine or approve a qualification under section 26(4)(b) , section 33C(b) , section 36(3) , section 55B(5)(c) , section 55ZI(3) , section 55ZR(b) and section 55ZU(5) ; or

(gc) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to determine whether or not to recognise a qualification under section 55ZZM(1) ; or

(gd) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] to monitor the appropriateness of an approved qualification, a qualification in respect of an accredited training course or a recognised qualification conferred or issued, or proposed to be conferred or issued; or

(h) [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 56 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] to determine whether this Act is being or has been contravened; or

(i) for any prescribed purpose.

(2)  [Section 56 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 106, Applied:29 May 2015] In an investigation, the Office may make such inquiries, and may carry out such inspections, as it considers appropriate.

(3)  [Section 56 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 106, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 56 Subsection (3) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 56 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office, by written notice provided to a registered higher education provider, registered education (overseas students) provider, approved overseas higher education provider, self-accrediting higher education provider, registered student exchange organisation or person who confers or issues a recognised qualification, may require that provider, organisation or person to pay a fee in respect of an investigation under this section, other than an investigation relating to an application for –

(a) the registration or approval as such a provider or organisation; or

(b) the grant of status as such a self-accrediting higher education provider; or

(c) the recognition of a qualification as a recognised qualification.

(4)  A fee under subsection (3) must not exceed the reasonable costs of conducting the investigation.

(5)  [Section 56 Subsection (5) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 56 Subsection (5) substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 26, Applied:01 Jan 2008] A registered higher education provider, registered education (overseas students) provider, approved overseas higher education provider, self-accrediting higher education provider, registered student exchange organisation or person who confers or issues a recognised qualification must pay any fee he, she or it is required to pay under subsection (3) .

57.   Inspections

(1)  [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 107, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office is carrying out an investigation referred to in section 56 , an authorised officer may do any or all of the following for the purposes of that investigation subject to any written direction of the Office:

(a) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] at any reasonable time, enter any place which the authorised officer knows or reasonably believes is used, or is intended to be used, by a person in relation to –

(i) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the provision of an accredited course or accredited education program; or

(ii) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the conferral or issue of an approved qualification or a recognised qualification; or

(iii) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a student exchange program;

(b) in any place lawfully entered, search for, examine, take possession of, make copies of or take extracts from any documents relating or relevant to –

(i) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the provision of accredited courses, accredited education programs or other higher education courses; or

(ii) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the conferral or issue of approved qualifications, recognised qualifications or qualifications in respect of accredited training courses; or

(iia) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a student exchange program; or

(iii) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] an application under this Act; or

(iiia) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] a contravention of a condition to which the accreditation of an accredited course or accredited education program is subject; or

(iiib) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] a contravention of a condition to which the registration of a registered higher education provider or registered education (overseas students) provider, the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider or the grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider is subject; or

(iiic) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 27, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a contravention of guidelines issued under section 33L ; or

(iv) [Section 57 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] a contravention of this Act;

(c) in any place lawfully entered, require any person who is in charge of or employed in that place to open any container or answer any question;

(d) in any place lawfully entered, take photographs, films, audio recordings, video recordings and other recordings;

(e) in any place lawfully entered, operate electric and electronic equipment.

(2)  An authorised officer is to produce his or her identity card for inspection –

(a) by a person apparently in charge of a place referred to in subsection (1)(a) before exercising a power under this section in respect of that place; and

(b) by a person in a place in which the officer is exercising powers under subsection (1) if the person requests it.

(3)  In the exercise of powers under this section, an authorised officer may be accompanied and assisted by such assistants as he or she considers appropriate.

(4)  An authorised officer who has not obtained a warrant under subsection (7) must not forcibly enter any place referred to in subsection (1) .

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(5)  An authorised officer is not entitled to use force to enter a place referred to in subsection (1)(a) unless a warrant has been issued under subsection (7) authorising an authorised officer to enter that place.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(6)  An authorised officer who does not have the authority of a warrant under subsection (7) or does not have the permission of the occupier to enter any premises which are, or any part of premises which is, used as a dwelling must not enter those premises or that part of premises.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(7)  If a justice of the peace is satisfied by the evidence on oath of an authorised officer that there is reasonable cause to permit entry to any place referred to in subsection (1) for a purpose specified in section 56(1) , the justice may issue a warrant authorising an authorised officer to enter the place specified in the warrant for the purpose of exercising in that place the powers conferred on the authorised officer by this Act.

(8)  A warrant issued under this section is sufficient authority, for a period of one month from its issue –

(a) to an authorised officer, and to all persons acting in aid of the authorised officer, to enter the place specified in the warrant using such force as is necessary; and

(b) to an authorised officer to exercise in respect of the place specified in the warrant all the powers conferred on an authorised officer by this Act.

58.   Documents

(1)  [Section 58 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 108, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office or an authorised officer has reason to believe that a person has possession of any information or document which is relevant to an investigation under this Act, the Office or authorised officer may require that person to provide the information or document, or a copy of the document, as specified in the requirement.

(2)  [Section 58 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 108, Applied:29 May 2015] If an authorised officer has taken possession of a document for the purposes of this Act, the Office has taken possession of that document.

(3)  [Section 58 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 108, Applied:29 May 2015] If the Office has taken possession of a document for the purposes of this Act, the Office may retain the document for so long as is necessary for those purposes.

(4)  [Section 58 Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 108, Applied:29 May 2015] A person otherwise entitled to possession of a document retained by the Office under this Act is entitled to be provided at his or her request with a copy of that document certified by the Executive Officer to be a true copy.

(5)  A certified copy of a document referred to in subsection (4) is to be received in all courts and elsewhere as if it were the original document.

59.   Use of document or information obtained

[Section 59 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 109, Applied:29 May 2015] If a document or information is obtained by the Office or an authorised officer under this Part, evidence of that document or information or the obtaining of that document or information is not admissible against any person in any civil or criminal proceedings other than proceedings against that person for an offence under this Act.

PART 6 - Review of Decisions

60.   Review of decisions

[Section 60 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 110, Applied:29 May 2015] A person aggrieved by any of the following decisions of the Office may apply to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) for a review of that decision:

(a) a refusal under section 26 to accredit a course as an accredited senior secondary course or to renew the accreditation of such a course;

(b) a refusal under section 36 to accredit a course as an accredited higher education course or to renew the accreditation of such a course;

(ba) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal under section 55B(5)(b) to approve a course as an approved overseas higher education course or to renew the approval of such a course;

(bb) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal to accredit a course of study as an accredited other education course or to renew the accreditation of such a course of study;

(bc) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal under section 55ZI to accredit an education program as an accredited education program or to renew the accreditation of such a program;

(c) [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(d) the cancellation –

(i) under section 29 of the accreditation of an accredited senior secondary course; or

(ii) under section 40 of the accreditation of an accredited higher education course; or

(iia) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] under section 55K of the approval of an approved overseas higher education course; or

(iib) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] under section 55ZL of the accreditation of an accredited other education course; or

(iic) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] under section 55ZY of the accreditation of an accredited education program;

(iii) [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(e) a refusal under section 43 to register a person as a registered higher education provider or to renew the registration of a registered higher education provider;

(ea) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal under section 55B to approve an overseas higher education institute as an approved overseas higher education provider or to renew the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider;

(eb) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal to grant to a person the status of a self-accrediting higher education provider or to renew the grant of status of a self-accrediting higher education provider;

(ec) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] a refusal under section 55ZZA to register a person as a registered education (overseas students) provider or to renew the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider;

(f) [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(g) [Section 60 Amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 28, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the cancellation or suspension –

(i) under section 52 of the registration of a registered higher education provider; or

(ii) under section 55L of the approval of an approved overseas higher education provider; or

(iii) under section 55X of the grant of status as self-accrediting higher education provider of a self-accrediting higher education provider; or

(iv) under section 55ZZJ of the registration of a registered education (overseas students) provider;

(h) [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(i) [Section 60 Amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 60 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 110, Applied:29 May 2015] a decision of the Office under this Act or any other Act that is prescribed by the regulations to be a decision which may be reviewed.

PART 7 - Registers

61.   Registers

(1)  [Section 61 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 111, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 61 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 29, Applied:01 Jan 2008] The Office must establish and maintain one or more registers as it considers appropriate to record details in respect of the following matters:

(a) accredited courses and the approved qualifications for those courses;

(b) registered higher education providers, the accredited higher education courses that such providers may provide and the approved qualifications for those courses;

(c) registered education (overseas students) providers, the accredited courses and accredited education programs that such providers may provide and the approved qualifications for those courses and programs;

(d) approved overseas higher education providers, the approved overseas higher education courses that such providers may provide and the approved qualifications for those courses;

(e) self-accrediting higher education providers, the accredited higher education courses that such providers may provide and the approved qualifications for those courses;

(f) registered student exchange organisations;

(g) any other approved qualifications;

(h) recognised qualifications;

(i) [Section 61 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 111, Applied:29 May 2015] any other matter the Office considers appropriate.

(2)  [Section 61 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 111, Applied:29 May 2015] In establishing and maintaining a register under this Part, the Office is to comply, where appropriate, with –

(a) [Section 61 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 29, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 61 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(b) the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes.

62.   Manner of keeping registers

(1)  [Section 62 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 112, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may establish and maintain a register under this Part in any form it considers appropriate.

(2)  [Section 62 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 112, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may combine any register established and maintained under this Part with any other such register.

63.   Access to registers

(1)  [Section 63 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 113, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to make a register established and maintained under this Part available for inspection by any person during office hours at the office of the Office.

(2)  On payment of any prescribed fee, a person may obtain a copy of, or extract from, a register established and maintained under this Part.

(3)  [Section 63 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 113, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is to publish a register established and maintained under this Part on its website.

(4)  [Section 63 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 113, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may make a register established and maintained under this Part available to the public, or publish it, in any other manner the Office considers appropriate.

PART 8 - Rules

64.   Rules

(1)  [Section 64 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may make rules for the purposes of the performance and exercise of its functions and powers.

(2)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (1) , the rules may make provision in relation to –

(a) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the assessment procedures for –

(i) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] an accredited course, accredited education program, approved overseas higher education course or other course of study; and

(ii) an examination or assessment in senior secondary education or other education under Division 2 of Part 3 or Division 2 of Part 4A ; and

(b) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the eligibility of a person –

(i) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] to take an examination or assessment in an accredited course, accredited education program, approved overseas higher education course or other course of study; and

(ii) to take an examination or assessment in senior secondary education or other education under Division 2 of Part 3 or Division 2 of Part 4A ; and

(c) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the conduct of a person during –

(i) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] an examination or assessment in an accredited course, accredited education program, approved overseas higher education course or other course of study; and

(ii) an examination or assessment in senior secondary education or other education under Division 2 of Part 3 or Division 2 of Part 4A ; and

(d) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] the conferral or issue of an approved qualification; and

(e) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] any matter relating to the functions and powers of the Office under any other Act; and

(f) the action to be taken if a person contravenes a rule; and

(g) [Section 64 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] the review of decisions of the Office or any other person made under the rules.

(3)  The rules may be made so as to apply differently according to such factors as are specified in the rules.

(4)  The rules may not provide that a contravention of the rules is an offence.

(5)  [Section 64 Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] The rules may authorise any matter to be from time to time determined, applied or regulated by the Office or the Executive Officer.

(6)  [Section 64 Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office –

(a) is to make the rules available for inspection by any person during its normal business hours; and

(b) [Section 64 Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] on the request of any person and payment of any prescribed fee, is to provide a copy of the rules or a part of rules to the person; and

(c) [Section 64 Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] is to publish the rules on its website; and

(d) [Section 64 Subsection (6) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] may make the rules available to the public, or publish them, in any other manner the Office considers appropriate.

(7)  The rules –

(a) are not a statutory rule for the purposes of the Rules Publication Act 1953 ; and

(b) are not subject to section 47(3)(c) or (11) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1931 ; and

(c) may not be declared under section 3(2) of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1992 to be subordinate legislation for the purposes of that Act.

(8)  A court or person acting judicially must –

(a) take judicial notice of the rules, as amended from time to time; and

(b) [Section 64 Subsection (8) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 114, Applied:29 May 2015] admit as evidence a copy of the rules, as amended from time to time, if the copy is certified as a true copy by the Executive Officer.

PART 9 - Miscellaneous

64A.   Consolidated statements of qualifications

[Section 64A Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 31, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  [Section 64A Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 115, Applied:29 May 2015] On the request of a person and payment of any prescribed fee, the Office is to provide to the person a statement specifying –

(a) all the approved qualifications conferred on or issued to the person; and

(b) all the recognised qualifications conferred on or issued to the person; and

(c) [Section 64A Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 115, Applied:29 May 2015] any other qualifications conferred on or issued to the person that the Office considers appropriate to be specified in the statement.

(2)  [Section 64A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 115, Applied:29 May 2015] On the request of a person and payment of any prescribed fee, the Office may provide to the person a statement that compares qualifications conferred on or issued to the person for completion of formal education or training in another State, a Territory or a country other than Australia with qualifications that may be conferred or issued under this Act for similar formal education or training.

64B.   Providing information to authorities, &c., under corresponding laws

[Section 64B Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 31, Applied:01 Jan 2008]

(1)  In this section –

interstate authority means an authority, body or other person responsible under a corresponding law for –

(a) the accreditation, registration, licensing or other approval of a course of study or another education program; or

(b) the registration, accreditation, licensing or other approval of a provider of education.

(2)  [Section 64B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 116, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may provide to an interstate authority any information it has or obtains in the performance and exercise of its functions and powers in relation to –

(a) a course of study or another education program provided or proposed to be provided in Tasmania or elsewhere; and

(b) a person who provides, or has made an application under this Act in relation to a proposal to provide, a course of study or another education program; and

(c) a person who has been found guilty of an offence against this Act or who has had his, her or its registration, approval or grant of self-accrediting status under this Act cancelled or suspended.

(3)  [Section 64B Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 116, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may provide to a person responsible for the registration, licensing, approval or other recognition of an organisation or other person that proposes to oversee or manage a student exchange program in another State or a Territory any information that it has or obtains in the performance and exercise of its functions and powers in relation to –

(a) the registration, and the application for registration, of an organisation or other person as a registered student exchange organisation; and

(b) the suspension or cancellation of such registration.

64C.   Registered training organisations to provide information to Office

[Section 64C Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 117, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 64C Inserted by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] A registered training organisation conducting operations in this State must provide returns of its client records of attainment of units of competency and qualifications, as are determined by the Office; to the Office at such times and in such manner as the Office determines.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

65.   Offences relating to exercise of powers by Office or authorised officer

(1)  A person must not –

(a) assault, resist, impede or obstruct an authorised officer exercising powers under this Act or attempt to do so; or

(b) use threatening, abusive or insulting language to an authorised officer exercising powers under this Act; or

(c) fail to open a container when required to do so under this Act by an authorised officer; or

(d) [Section 65 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 118, Applied:29 May 2015] fail to answer a question or to provide a document or other information when required to do so under this Act by the Office or an authorised officer; or

(e) [Section 65 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 118, Applied:29 May 2015] provide a document or other information that is false or misleading in a material particular to the Office or an authorised officer; or

(f) impersonate an authorised officer.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(2)  If a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1)(c) , the court may order the person to open the container which was the subject of the offence in the presence of, and for the inspection of, an authorised officer.

(3)  [Section 65 Subsection (3) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 118, Applied:29 May 2015] If a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1)(d) or (e) , the court may order the person to provide the document or information which was the subject of the offence to the Office or an authorised officer.

66.   Offences by body corporate and director, &c.

(1)  If a body corporate commits an offence against this Act, a director or other person concerned in the management of the body corporate is taken to have committed that offence also.

(2)  It is a defence in proceedings under subsection (1) for the director or person to show that –

(a) the body corporate contravened the provision without the knowledge of the director or person; or

(b) the director or person was not in a position to influence the conduct of the body corporate in relation to its contravention of the provision; or

(c) the director or person, if in that position, used all due diligence to prevent the contravention by the body corporate.

(3)  A director or person may be proceeded against and convicted in relation to an offence against this Act by reason of this section whether or not the body corporate has been proceeded against or convicted.

67.    Land Acquisition Act 1993 does not apply

[Section 67 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 119, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office is not a public authority for the purposes of the Land Acquisition Act 1993 .

68.   Judicial notice of certain signatures

All courts and persons acting judicially must take judicial notice of –

(a) [Section 68 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 120, Applied:29 May 2015] the official signature of a person who is or has been the Executive Officer; and

(b) [Section 68 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 120, Applied:29 May 2015] the fact that the person holds or has held the office of Executive Officer.

69.   Presumptions

[Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] In any proceedings by or against the Office, unless evidence is given to the contrary, proof is not required of –

(a) [Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] the constitution of the Office; or

(b) [Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] any resolution of the Office; or

(c) [Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] the appointment of the Executive Officer; or

(d) [Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(e) [Section 69 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 121, Applied:29 May 2015] the appointment of a member of a committee or an authorised officer.

70.   Evidentiary matters

(1)  [Section 70 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 122, Applied:29 May 2015] [Section 70 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 32, Applied:01 Jan 2008] In any proceedings under this Act, a certificate signed or purporting to be signed by the Executive Officer and relating to one or more of the following matters is evidence of the matters specified in it:

(a) whether or not at the specified time a course of study or education program was an accredited course, approved overseas higher education course or accredited education program;

(b) whether or not at the specified time –

(i) a person, institution or organisation was a registered higher education provider, approved overseas higher education provider, self-accrediting higher education provider, registered education (overseas students) provider or registered student exchange organisation; and

(ii) such registration or approval was suspended;

(c) whether or not at the specified time a person was authorised or able under this Act to confer or issue a specified approved qualification;

(d) whether or not at the specified time any of the following was subject to a specified condition:

(i) an accredited course;

(ii) an accredited education program;

(iii) a registration as a registered higher education provider;

(iv) an approval as an approved overseas higher education provider;

(v) a grant of the status of self-accrediting higher education provider;

(vi) a registration as a registered education (overseas students) provider;

(e) whether or not at the specified time a qualification was an approved qualification or recognised qualification.

(2)  In subsection (1) ,

specified means specified in the certificate referred to in that subsection.

71.   Service of documents

(1)  [Section 71 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 123, Applied:29 May 2015] A document may be served on or provided to the Office by –

(a) [Section 71 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 123, Applied:29 May 2015] leaving it at, or sending it by post to, the address of the Office; or

(b) [Section 71 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 123, Applied:29 May 2015] faxing it or emailing it to the Office's fax number or email address.

(2)  [Section 71 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 123, Applied:29 May 2015] The Office may serve on or provide to a person a document required to be provided or given under this Act –

(a) in the case of a natural person, by –

(i) giving it to the person; or

(ii) [Section 71 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 123, Applied:29 May 2015] leaving it at, or sending it by post to, the person's postal or residential address, or place or address of business or employment, last known to the Office; or

(iii) faxing it to the person's fax number; or

(iv) emailing it to the person's email address; and

(b) in the case of any other person, by –

(i) leaving it at, or sending it by post to, the person's principal or registered office or principal place of business; or

(ii) faxing it to the person's fax number; or

(iii) emailing it to the person's email address.

72.   Regulations

(1)  The Governor may make regulations –

(a) for the purposes of this Act; and

(b) [Section 72 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] [Section 72 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 124, Applied:29 May 2015] in relation to the performance and exercise of the functions and powers of the Office under any other Act.

(2)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (1) , the regulations may provide for fees payable under this Act.

(3)  Regulations may be made so as to apply differently according to such factors as are specified in the regulations.

(4)  The regulations may –

(a) provide that a contravention of, or a failure to comply with, any of the regulations is an offence; and

(b) in respect of such an offence, provide for the imposition of a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 10 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.

(5)  [Section 72 Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 124, Applied:29 May 2015] The regulations may authorise any matter to be from time to time determined, applied or regulated by the Office or Executive Officer.

(6)  The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on any of the following:

(a) the enactment of this Act;

(b) the amendments to the Education Act 1994 effected by this Act;

(c) [Section 72 Subsection (6) amended by No. 50 of 2011, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Feb 2012] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(d) the repeal of the Universities Registration Act 1995 ;

(da) [Section 72 Subsection (6) amended by No. 59 of 2007, s. 33, Applied:01 Jan 2008] the repeal of the Education Providers Registration (Overseas Students) Act 1991 by the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 2007 ;

(e) the amendment of this Act.

(7)  A provision referred to in subsection (6)(a) , (b) , (c) or (d) may take effect on and from the day on which this Act commences or a later day.

(8)  A provision referred to in subsection (6)(e) may take effect on and from the day on which the amendment to this Act takes effect or a later day.

73.   Savings and transitional provisions

The savings and transitional provisions set out in Schedule 3 have effect.

73A.   Savings and transitional provisions consequent on Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 2015

[Section 73A Inserted by No. 59 of 2007, s. 34, Applied:01 Jan 2008] [Section 73A Substituted by No. 15 of 2015, s. 125, Applied:29 May 2015]

(1)  In this section –

commencement day means the day on which the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 2015 commences;

previous Act means this Act as in force immediately before the commencement day.

(2)  If a person, immediately before the commencement day, held the office of chief executive officer of the Authority, within the meaning of the previous Act, under an appointment made under section 16 of the previous Act –

(a) that person is taken to have been appointed under the State Service Act 2000 as the Director of Education and Training Research within the Department for the term, and on the conditions, specified in his or her instrument of appointment as such chief executive officer; and

(b) a reference in that instrument of appointment to the office or position of chief executive officer of the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority is taken to be a reference to the office of Director of Education and Training Research in the Department.

(3)  Persons appointed under section 18 of the previous Act who held that appointment immediately before the commencement day are taken to have been appointed subject to and in accordance with the State Service Act 2000 for the purposes of the Department.

(4)  The State Service officer or State Service employee –

(a) employed in the Department; and

(b) who, immediately before the commencement day and in compliance with the direction of the Premier under section 21A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1931 , is performing and exercising the duties, obligations, rights and powers of the office of Director of Equity Services –

is taken to hold the office of Executive Officer under this Act until such time as an Executive Officer is appointed under section 16 .

(5)  Despite section 24 , the report that the Office is required to provide to the Secretary of the Department under that section for the financial year ending on 30 June 2015 need relate only to the period of 6 months ending on that day.

(6)  Despite section 36 of the State Service Act 2000 , the report that the Secretary of the Department is required to provide to the Minister under that section for the financial year ending on 30 June 2015 need relate only to the period of 6 months ending on that day in so far as it relates to the performance and exercise of the functions and powers of the Authority and the Office.

(7)  If –

(a) the accreditation of an accredited senior secondary course would cease to have effect after the commencement day but before the Minister has approved the senior secondary framework; and

(b) an application for the renewal of that course has been, or is, made to the Authority in accordance with section 28 of the previous Act or to the Office under section 28 of this Act –

the Office may process and determine that application under section 28 of this Act and, for that purpose, section 28(4) of this Act does not apply.

74.   Administration of Act

Until provision is made in relation to this Act by order under section 4 of the Administrative Arrangements Act 1990  –

(a) the administration of this Act is assigned to the Minister for Education; and

(b) the department responsible to that Minister in relation to the administration of this Act is the Department of Education.

75.   

See Schedule 4 .

76.   Acts repealed

The Acts specified in Schedule 5 are repealed.

77.   Statutory Rules rescinded

The Statutory Rules specified in Schedule 6 are rescinded.

SCHEDULE 1

[Schedule 1 Repealed by No. 15 of 2015, s. 126, Applied:29 May 2015]

SCHEDULE 2

[Schedule 2 Repealed by No. 15 of 2015, s. 126, Applied:29 May 2015]

SCHEDULE 3 - Savings and Transitional Provisions

Section 73

PART 1 - Preliminary

1.   Interpretation

In this Schedule –

Assessment Board means the Tasmanian Secondary Assessment Board established under section 73 of the Education Act;

[Part 1 of Schedule 3 Amended by No. 15 of 2015, s. 127, Applied:29 May 2015] Authority means the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority established by section 7 of this Act as in force before the day on which the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 2015 commenced and, where appropriate, includes the Office;

commencement day means the day on which this Act commences;

Council means the Universities Registration Council established under section 5 of the repealed Act;

Education Act means the Education Act 1994 as in force immediately before the commencement day;

repealed Act means the Universities Registration Act 1995 as in force immediately before the commencement day.

PART 2 - Provisions relating to Education Act

2.   Abolition of Assessment Board

The Assessment Board is abolished.

3.   Syllabuses, assessments and attainments

If, immediately before the commencement day, a determination by the Assessment Board under section 74(1)(a) of the Education Act relating to a syllabus for provision to students has effect –

(a) that syllabus is to be taken to be accredited as an accredited course under this Act for the period ending on the day on which the determination of that syllabus would have ceased to have effect if this Act had not commenced; and

(b) any certificate or other qualification that the Assessment Board determined would be issued or awarded on the successful completion of the syllabus is taken to be the approved qualification for the accredited course that the syllabus is taken to be by reason of paragraph (a) .

4.   Rules of Assessment Board

Rules made by the Assessment Board under section 74(2) of the Education Act and in force immediately before the commencement day continue and are taken to be rules made under section 64 .

5.   Committees of Assessment Board

All committees established by the Assessment Board under section 76 of the Education Act are abolished.

6.   Documents

(1) If appropriate, a document issued or made by the Assessment Board under the Education Act is taken to have been issued or made by the Authority under this Act.

(2) If appropriate, a reference in a document to the Assessment Board in an Act or other document is taken to be, or to include, a reference to the Authority.

(3) If appropriate, a document served on or by, or provided to or by, the Assessment Board is taken to have been served on or by, or provided to or by, the Authority.

PART 3 - Provisions relating to Universities Registration Act 1995

7.   Abolition of Council

The Council is abolished.

8.   Registered university or registered institution

A person that, immediately before the commencement day, was a registered university or registered institution, within the meaning of the repealed Act, is taken to be a registered higher education provider under this Act –

(a) subject to the same conditions as the registration was subject to under the repealed Act; and

(b) until the earlier of the following occurs:

(i) the period specified in the certificate of registration issued under the repealed Act ends; or

(ii) if the registration is cancelled under this Act, that cancellation takes effect.

9.   Certificate of registration

A certificate of registration issued under section 15 of the repealed Act and in force immediately before the commencement day is taken to be a registration certificate issued under section 45 of this Act.

10.   Applications

(1) An application under section 13 , 18A or 18D of the repealed Act for registration as a registered university or registered institution, or for the renewal or variation of such registration, made to the Council and accompanied by any required fee before the commencement day but not determined before that day is taken to be an application under section 42 , 49 or 48 of this Act for registration as a registered higher education provider or for the renewal or amendment of such registration made to the Authority and accompanied by any appropriate prescribed fee.

(2) Any thing done by the Council in relation to an application referred to in subclause (1) is taken to have been done by the Authority.

11.   Inspections, examinations and reviews

(1) If immediately before the commencement day an inspection, examination or review has been authorised under section 9 of the repealed Act but not completed before that day, that inspection, examination or review is taken to be an investigation under section 56 of this Act.

(2) Any thing done by a person authorised under section 9 of the repealed Act in relation to an inspection, examination or review referred to in subclause (1) is taken to have been done by the Authority or an authorised officer under this Act.

(3) The Authority may charge a person a fee in respect of both that part of an inspection or examination referred to in subclause (1) conducted before the commencement day and the completion of the inspection or examination as an investigation under this Act.

(4) The fee under subclause (3) may not exceed the amount that could have been charged under section 12 of the repealed Act if this Act had not been enacted.

(5) If a fee is due and payable immediately before the commencement day under section 12 of the repealed Act in relation to an inspection or examination completed under section 9 of the repealed Act, that fee is due and payable on and after that day to the Authority.

12.   Reviews of decisions

(1) If, immediately before the commencement day, a person could have applied to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) for a review of a decision of the Council under section 18H of the repealed Act, that person can apply to that Court for a review of that decision as if the decision were a decision of the Authority, and the Authority is bound by the determination of that Court.

(2) If, immediately before the commencement day, an application for a review of a decision of the Council under section 18H has been made but not determined –

(a) that review may be continued; and

(b) the decision being reviewed is taken to be a decision of the Authority; and

(c) the Authority is bound by the determination of the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division).

13.   Documents

(1) If appropriate, a certificate or other document issued or made by the Council under the repealed Act is taken to have been issued or made by the Authority.

(2) If appropriate, a reference to the Council in an Act, certificate or other document is taken to be, or to include, a reference to the Authority.

(3) If appropriate, a document served on or by, or provided to or by, the Council is taken to have been served on or by, or provided to or by, the Authority.

PART 4 - Miscellaneous

14.   Minister's actions before enactment valid

(1) In this clause,

notice means notice, in at least 3 daily newspapers published and circulating in the State, that persons interested in being members of the Authority may provide written expressions of interest to the Minister.

(2) Notice given by the Minister before this Act has received the Royal Assent is taken to have been given under section 8(2) and any thing done by the Minister in relation to, or in connection with, such notice is taken to have been done under this Act.

SCHEDULE 4 - Consequential Amendments

The amendments effected by Section 75 and this Schedule have been incorporated into authorised versions of the following Acts and Statutory Rules:

(a) Education Act 1994 ;

(b) Ombudsman Act 1978 ;

(c) Proclamation under the Duties Act 2001 .

SCHEDULE 5 - Acts repealed

Section 76

SCHEDULE 6 - Statutory Rules rescinded

Section 77