Why RTOs Can’t Afford to Cut Corners: Navigating ASQA’s Hardline Approach with the Right Support

The RTO sector is undergoing a period of significant change — and not without its challenges. In recent times, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has taken a notably tougher stance on compliance and regulatory enforcement. With increased scrutiny, stricter audit expectations, and a no-compromise approach to non-compliance, RTOs across Australia are feeling the pressure like never before.

ASQA is making it clear: compliance is non-negotiable, and the margin for error has all but disappeared. With the enactment of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Strengthening Quality and Integrity in Vocational Education and Training No.1) Act 2024 and the move to the revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), the landscape has shifted and that demands a much deeper understanding of the standards, systems, and processes required to stay ahead.

Unfortunately, in an effort to keep up, many RTOs are turning to the wrong kind of support.

Too often, providers are misled by consultants offering quick fixes or templated solutions with little real understanding of what’s required to deliver sustainable, compliant outcomes. The result? Wasted time, lost money, and non-compliance issues that ultimately create even bigger problems.

We’ve seen firsthand how clients are forced to go back to square one, engaging a genuine expert to clean up the mess — often under significant time pressure and at great cost. It’s an unnecessary burden, and one that can be avoided with the right guidance from the outset.

Expertise You Can Rely On

That’s where we come in.

Our consultancy is proudly led by Sally Tansley and Alison Lovell — two of the most respected and experienced professionals in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. With decades of combined experience in RTO management, compliance, quality assurance, and ASQA readiness, Sally and Alison bring unmatched knowledge and a deeply strategic approach to every engagement.

• Sally Tansley is renowned for her deep regulatory insight and ability to support RTOs through complex compliance and audit challenges. With a strong background in leadership roles across the sector, she provides strategic clarity and forward-thinking solutions that truly make a difference.
• Alison Lovell provides clients with exceptional support to protect their business from compliance risks. Her RTO and education sector experience is complemented by the fact that she is a qualified legal practitioner with more than a decade of experience as a lawyer. Her work with RTOs across Australia has helped countless providers identify risks, implement improvements, and succeed in high-stakes audits and re-registrations.

Together, Sally and Alison bring a rare blend of technical capability, strategic thinking, and practical application — delivering real results, not just ticking boxes.

Strong Leadership Behind the Scenes

Supporting the business behind the scenes is our Managing Director, Brooke Lombard. Brooke plays a pivotal role in overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and overall management of the consultancy. While not directly involved in client delivery, her leadership ensures that our team is equipped to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

With a strong background in business operations and organisational leadership, Brooke is the driving force behind the structure, efficiency, and growth of the consultancy. Her attention to detail, operational oversight, and commitment to excellence ensure our business runs seamlessly — allowing our consultants to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional results for our clients.

Together, Sally, Alison, and Brooke form a powerhouse team dedicated to helping RTOs succeed — providing not just technical compliance support, but trusted guidance, genuine partnership, and peace of mind in an increasingly complex environment.

Choose Quality. Choose Experience. Choose Peace of Mind.

The reality is this: RTOs can no longer afford to gamble on low-cost, low-quality consultancy. The risks are simply too high — not just financially, but reputationally and operationally. What you really need is a trusted partner who understands the evolving regulatory landscape, can guide you through it, and help you build a stronger, more compliant RTO for the long term.

If you’re ready to get it right the first time — and avoid the costly setbacks so many others have faced — we’re here to help.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can support your success in this new regulatory environment.

Brooke Lombard

With a background in instructional design and business management, Brooke brings creativity and energy to RTO Works. Focused on business growth, she continuously seeks ways to streamline operations and innovate. Her passion for people and the planet is reflected in her leadership, fostering a culture of respect and trust that helps her team thrive.