The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency CEO says its bad for staff and the sector

Alistair Maclean states the agency is “maintaining a close interest” and expects providers, “to ensure through appropriate governance and human resources oversight, that staff are engaged in accordance with their enterprise agreement and contractual arrangements.”

His warning comes after the Fair Work Ombudsman launched a second Federal Court action against Uni Melbourne, alleging it underpaid casuals (CMM February 13. But Mr Maclean adds his agency’s “focus,” “will continue beyond the FWO’s work, and any proceedings that result from her investigations.”

“As part of any applications to register or re-register as a higher education provider, TEQSA will require employers to provide evidence that they are closely monitoring and ensuring compliance with their obligations under all relevant workplace legislation.”

His warning is nearly a year on from the agency setting out the five actions  the agency required from institutions on casual staff underpayment (CMM April 4 2022).