The feds are legislating to stop professional associations sticking their bibs into universities in the guise of protecting industry practise standards, (CMM February 28). The government intends to act on recommendations from the Higher Education Standards Panel, which are based on a PhillipsKPA report delivered last year (CMM November 8).

But while legislation looms, tertiary education regulator TEQSA advises professional associations can still have a say. “Views are now being sought on how best to implement the suggested changes, which range from a legislated code of practice limiting professional accreditation bodies to matters that are profession-specific, to TEQSA working with accrediting bodies to build their capacity to work more effectively and efficiently.”

Interested organisations do not have long – submissions are due end April.