Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Act 2015

No. 171, 2015

An Act to amend the law relating to education services for overseas students, and for other purposes

Contents

1 Short title

2 Commencement

3 Schedules

Schedule 1—Streamlining registration

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Act 2012

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

Schedule 2—Review of decisions

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Schedule 3—Ministerial directions

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

Schedule 4—TPS Director

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Schedule 5—Other amendments

Part 1—Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Part 2—Amendments commencing on 1 July 2016

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Schedule 6—Application, transitional and savings provisions

Part 1—Definitions

Part 2—Registration of providers etc.

Part 3—Review of decisions

Part 4—Other matters

Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Act 2015

No. 171, 2015

An Act to amend the law relating to education services for overseas students, and for other purposes

[Assented to 11 December 2015]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1  Short title

  This Act may be cited as the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Act 2015.

2  Commencement

 (1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

 (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

3  Schedules

  Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1—Streamlining registration

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

1  Paragraph 4B(1)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) a reference in a provision of this Act to the designated State authority included a reference to the Territories Minister.

2  Paragraph 4B(2)(a)

Omit “designated authority”, substitute “designated State authority”.

3  Paragraph 4B(2)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) paragraph 6D(1)(a);

4  Subsection 4B(3)

Omit “designated authority”, substitute “designated State authority”.

5  Section 5 (definition of approved provider)

Repeal the definition.

6  Section 5

Insert:

approved school provider means a school provider approved (however described) by a designated State authority to provide courses to:

 (a) if the school provider is located in Tasmania or the Australian Capital Territory—students for that State or Territory; or

 (b) otherwise—overseas students for the State (other than Tasmania or the Australian Capital Territory).

7  Section 5 (definition of approved unit of study)

Repeal the definition.

8  Section 5 (definition of authorised employee)

Repeal the definition.

9  Section 5

Insert:

authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider has the meaning given by section 6A.

10  Section 5 (definition of condition)

Omit “section 9AD or 9AE”, substitute “section 10B”.

11  Section 5 (definition of designated authority)

Repeal the definition.

12  Section 5

Insert:

designated State authority for a provider or registered provider to the extent the provider is an approved school provider means the person responsible under the law of a State for approving (however described) school providers to provide courses to:

 (a) if the school provider is located in Tasmania or the Australian Capital Territory—students for that State or Territory; or

 (b) otherwise—overseas students for the State (other than Tasmania or the Australian Capital Territory).

DSA assessment certificate has the meaning given by subsection 6B(1).

DSA recommendation certificate has the meaning given by subsection 6B(2).

ELICOS means English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students.

ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider has the meaning given by section 6C.

exempt provider has the meaning given by section 6D.

13  Section 5 (definition of first entry to market charge)

Omit “entry to market charge referred to in table item 1 of the table”, substitute “first entry to market charge referred to”.

14  Section 5 (definition of higher education provider)

Repeal the definition.

15  Section 5

Insert:

meets the registration requirements has the meaning giving by section 11.

16  Section 5 (paragraph (a) of the definition of monitoring purpose)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (a) whether a registered provider is complying, or has complied, with:

 (i) this Act; or

 (ii) the national code; or

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; or

17  Section 5

Insert:

non‑referring State has the same meaning as in the NVETR Act.

NVETR Act means the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.

NVR registered training organisation has the same meaning as in the NVETR Act.

18  Section 5 (definition of provider)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

provider has the meaning given by section 6E.

19  Section 5

Insert:

registered higher education provider has the same meaning as in the TEQSA Act.

20  Section 5 (definition of registered provider)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

registered provider for a course for a location means a provider that is registered to provide the course at the location.

21  Section 5

Insert:

registered training organisation has the same meaning as in the NVETR Act.

registered VET provider means:

 (a) an NVR registered training organisation; or

 (b) a registered training organisation (other than an NVR registered training organisation) that provides, or seeks to provide, courses to overseas students at locations in a non‑referring State.

related person of a provider or registered provider has the meaning given by subsection 7A(3).

relevant individual of a registered provider means:

 (a) an officer or employee of the provider; or

 (b) a consultant to the provider; or

 (c) if the provider is a partnership—a partner in the partnership; or

 (d) if the provider is a sole trader—the provider; or

 (e) an officer or employee of an administrator or liquidator of the provider or a former registered provider.

22  Section 5 (definition of risk assessment)

Repeal the definition.

23  Section 5

Insert:

school provider means a person or entity that provides courses of education at a level that, under section 15 of the Australian Education Act 2013, constitutes primary education, or secondary education, for the provider.

24  Section 5 (definition of second or third entry to market charge)

Repeal the definition.

25  Section 5

Insert:

second entry to market charge means the second entry to market charge referred to in subsection 6(4) of the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997.

third entry to market charge means the third entry to market charge referred to in subsection 6(6) of the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997.

26  Section 5 (definition of TPS levy)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

TPS levy means the TPS levy imposed under the Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Act 2012.

27  Section 5A (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

5A  When registered higher education providers are taken to have the principal purpose of providing education

28  Section 5A

Omit “subparagraphs 9AB(1)(f)(ii) and 14(1)(a)(ii) and paragraphs 9AH(c) and 83(1C)(a), a higher education provider”, substitute “paragraphs 11(d) and 83(1C)(a), a registered higher education provider”.

29  After section 6

Insert:

6A  Meaning of authorised officer

 (1) The following table sets out who is an authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider:

 (2) If the ESOS agency for a registered provider is the Secretary, the agency may, in writing, appoint a person as an authorised officer of the agency if:

 (a) the person is an APS employee in the Department; and

 (b) the person holds or performs the duties of an APS 5 position or higher, or an equivalent position; and

 (c) the agency is satisfied that the person has suitable qualifications and experience.

 (3) If the ESOS agency for a registered provider is an entity that is covered by item 4 of the table in subsection (1), the agency may, in writing, appoint a person as an authorised officer of the agency if:

 (a) the person is an employee or constituent member of the agency; and

 (b) the agency is satisfied that the person has suitable qualifications and experience.

6B  Meaning of DSA assessment certificate and DSA recommendation certificate

DSA assessment certificate

 (1) A DSA assessment certificate is a certificate given by the designated State authority for an approved school provider that:

 (a) states that the authority is satisfied that the provider is complying, or will comply, with:

 (i) this Act; and

 (ii) the national code; and

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; and

 (b) if the provider is not an exempt provider—states that the authority is satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered; and

 (c) states that the authority is satisfied that the provider has the principal purpose of providing education; and

 (d) states that the authority has no reason to believe that:

 (i) the provider does not have the clearly demonstrated capacity to provide education of a satisfactory standard; or

 (ii) the provider has not been providing, or will not provide, education of a satisfactory standard; and

 (e) recommends the conditions (if any) that should be imposed on the provider’s registration; and

 (f) recommends a period not longer than 7 years for which the provider should be registered; and

 (g) sets out any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

Note: The designated State authority must have regard to the matters in subsection 7A(2) in deciding whether it is satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered.

DSA recommendation certificate

 (2) A DSA recommendation certificate is a certificate given by the designated State authority for an approved school provider that:

 (a) recommends that the ESOS agency for the provider should add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration; and

 (b) recommends the conditions (if any) that should be imposed on the provider’s registration; and

 (c) sets out any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

Form of certificates

 (3) A DSA assessment certificate or DSA recommendation certificate must be in the form approved, in writing, by the ESOS agency for the approved school provider to which the certificate relates.

6C  Meaning of ESOS agency

 (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the following table sets out the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider:

 (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that an entity is the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider covered by item 4 or 5 of the table in subsection (1).

 (3) If a provider or registered provider is covered by more than one item of the table in subsection (1), the Minister may, by legislative instrument:

 (a) determine that one or more entities are the ESOS agencies for the provider; and

 (b) specify the circumstances in which each of those entities is the ESOS agency for the provider.

 (4) If subparagraph 83(2A)(d)(i) or (2B)(d)(i) or paragraph 83(2C)(c) applies in relation to a registered provider, disregard that subparagraph or paragraph in determining the ESOS agency for the provider for the purposes of subsection 83(2A), (2B) or (2C).

6D  Meaning of exempt provider

 (1) A provider or registered provider is an exempt provider if:

 (a) the provider is administered by a State education authority; or

 (b) the provider:

 (i) is entitled to receive funds under a law of the Commonwealth for recurrent expenditure for the provision of education or training; and

 (ii) is not a provider prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph; or

 (c) the provider is specified in the regulations.

 (2) To avoid doubt, a private corporate body established in connection with a provider covered by paragraph (1)(a) or (b) is not itself, by virtue of that connection alone, a provider covered by that paragraph.

6E  Meaning of provider

 (1) A provider is:

 (a) a registered higher education provider; or

 (b) a registered VET provider; or

 (c) an approved school provider; or

 (d) a person or entity that provides an ELICOS or a Foundation Program; or

 (e) another person or entity (other than a person or entity specified under subsection (2));

that provides, or seeks to provide, courses to overseas students.

 (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a person or entity for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).

30  Section 7A

Repeal the section, substitute:

7A  Deciding whether a provider or registered provider is fit and proper to be registered etc.

 (1) This section applies if it is necessary for the purposes of a provision of this Act for:

 (a) the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider to decide whether:

 (i) the agency is satisfied, or no longer satisfied, that the provider is fit and proper to be registered; or

 (ii) the agency believes on reasonable grounds that the provider is not fit and proper to be registered; or

 (b) the designated State authority for a provider or registered provider that is an approved school provider to decide whether the authority is satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered.

 (2) In deciding the matter, the ESOS agency or designated State authority must have regard to:

 (a) whether the provider or a related person of the provider has ever been convicted of an offence; and

 (b) whether the registration of the provider or a related person of the provider has ever been cancelled or suspended under this Act or the old ESOS Act; and

 (c) whether the provider or a related person of the provider has ever been issued with an Immigration Minister’s suspension certificate; and

 (d) whether a condition has ever been imposed under this Act on the registration of the provider or a related person of the provider; and

 (e) whether the provider or a related person of the provider has ever:

 (i) become bankrupt; or

 (ii) taken steps to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or

 (iii) compounded with one or more creditors of the provider or person; or

 (iv) made an assignment of the remuneration of the provider or person for the benefit of one or more creditors of the provider or person; and

 (f) whether the provider or a related person of the provider has ever been disqualified from managing corporations under Part 2D.6 of the Corporations Act 2001; and

 (g) whether the provider or a related person of the provider was involved in the business of the provision of courses by another provider who is covered by any of the above paragraphs at the time of any of the events that gave rise to the relevant conviction or other action; and

 (h) any other relevant matter.

 (3) A related person of a provider or registered provider is:

 (a) an associate of the provider who has been, is or will be, involved in the business of the provision of courses by the provider; or

 (b) a high managerial agent of the provider.

 (4) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the operation of Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914 (which deals with spent convictions).

7AA  No duty imposed on designated State authorities

  Nothing in this Act imposes a duty on a designated State authority.

31  Section 7B

Omit:

substitute:

32  Part 2 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Part 2—Registration of providers

33  Section 8A (paragraphs relating to Divisions 3 and 4)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

34  Division 3 of Part 2 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Division 3—Registration of providers

35  Subdivision A of Division 3 of Part 2

Repeal the Subdivision, substitute:

Subdivision A—Application for registration

9  Provider may apply to be registered

 (1) A provider may apply to be registered to provide a course or courses at a location or locations to overseas students.

 (2) The application must be made to the ESOS agency for the provider.

Note: See section 11A for further rules about applications.

10  ESOS agency for provider may register provider

 (1) If a provider makes an application under section 9, the ESOS agency for the provider may register the provider to provide a course or courses at a location or locations if the provider meets the registration requirements.

 (2) The ESOS agency for the provider must use a risk management approach when considering whether to register the provider.

10A  Notice of registration

 (1) If:

 (a) a provider makes an application under section 9; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider decides to register the provider;

the agency must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the provider written notice of the registration.

 (2) The notice must set out:

 (a) the name of the provider; and

 (b) if the provider is not an individual—the name of the principal executive officer of the provider; and

 (c) the name of the course or courses that the provider is registered to provide; and

 (d) the location or locations at which the provider is registered to provide that course or those courses; and

 (e) the period of registration (which must not be longer than 7 years); and

 (f) any conditions imposed on the provider’s registration under section 10B at the time of registration and when any such conditions take effect; and

 (g) any other matters relating to the registration that the ESOS agency for the provider considers appropriate.

 (3) If the provider is an approved school provider, the ESOS agency for the provider must, in determining the provider’s period of registration, have regard to the period of registration recommended in the DSA assessment certificate given to the agency by the designated State authority for the provider.

Subdivision B—Conditions of registration

10B  Conditions of registration

 (1) The ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider may at any time:

 (a) impose a condition on the provider’s registration; or

 (b) vary or remove a condition of the provider’s registration.

 (2) The ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider must use a risk management approach in deciding whether to impose, vary or remove a condition.

 (3) A condition may be:

 (a) imposed generally on a provider’s registration; or

 (b) imposed in respect of either or both of the following:

 (i) one or more of the courses that a provider is registered to provide;

 (ii) one or more of the locations at which a provider is registered to provide a course.

 (4) If the ESOS agency for a registered provider does either of the following after the commencement of the provider’s registration:

 (a) imposes a condition on the provider’s registration;

 (b) varies or removes a condition of the provider’s registration;

the agency must include in the notice of the decision given to the provider under section 169AC a statement about when the imposition, variation or removal takes effect.

Note: Section 169AC requires the ESOS agency to give notice of certain decisions.

10C  Conditions imposed by designated State authorities on the approval of school providers after registration

 (1) If:

 (a) a registered provider for a course for a location is an approved school provider; and

 (b) at any time while the provider is registered, the designated State authority for the provider imposes a condition on the authority’s approval of the provider that relates to the provision of the course;

the ESOS agency for the provider may impose that condition on the provider’s registration under section 10B.

 (2) In deciding whether to impose the condition under section 10B, the ESOS agency for the registered provider must have regard to any advice of the designated State authority for the provider.

 (3) This section does not limit section 10B.

Subdivision C—Renewal of registration

10D  Registered provider may apply to renew registration

 (1) A registered provider may apply to renew the provider’s registration to provide a course or courses at a location or locations to overseas students.

 (2) The application must be:

 (a) made to the ESOS agency for the register provider; and

 (b) made within the period determined under subsection (3).

Note: See section 11A for further rules about applications.

 (3) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may, by legislative instrument, determine the period within which applications under this section must be made.

10E  ESOS agency for registered provider may renew registration

 (1) If a registered provider makes an application under section 10D, the ESOS agency for the provider may renew the provider’s registration to provide a course or courses at a location or locations if the provider meets the registration requirements.

 (2) The ESOS agency for the registered provider must use a risk management approach when considering whether to renew the registration of the provider.

10F  Registration continues until decision on renewal takes effect

  If:

 (a) a registered provider makes an application under section 10D; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider has not made a decision on the application before the end of the day on which the provider’s registration is due to expire;

the provider’s registration continues until the agency’s decision on the application is stated to take effect.

10G  Notice of renewal of registration

 (1) If:

 (a) a registered provider makes an application under section 10D; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider decides to renew the provider’s registration;

the agency must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the provider written notice of the renewal.

 (2) The notice must set out:

 (a) the name of the registered provider; and

 (b) if the provider is not an individual—the name of the principal executive officer of the provider; and

 (c) the name of the course or courses that the provider is registered to provide; and

 (d) the location or locations at which the provider is registered to provide that course or those courses; and

 (e) the period of registration (which must not be longer than 7 years); and

 (f) any conditions imposed on the provider’s registration under section 10B at the time of the renewal of the registration and when any such conditions take effect; and

 (g) any other matters relating to the renewal of the registration that the ESOS agency for the provider considers appropriate.

 (3) If the registered provider is an approved school provider, the ESOS agency for the provider must, in determining the provider’s period of registration, have regard to the period of registration recommended in the DSA assessment certificate given to the agency by the designated State authority for the provider.

Subdivision D—Changes to registration etc.

10H  Registered provider may apply to add one or more courses at one or more locations to registration

 (1) A registered provider may apply to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration.

 (2) The application:

 (a) must be made to the ESOS agency for the registered provider; and

 (b) if the provider is an approved school provider—must be accompanied by a DSA recommendation certificate given by the designated State authority for the provider.

Note: See section 11A for further rules about applications.

10J  ESOS agency for registered provider may add one or more courses at one or more locations to registration

 (1) If a registered provider makes an application under section 10H to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration, the ESOS agency for the provider may add those courses at those locations to the provider’s registration if the provider meets the registration requirements.

 (2) The ESOS agency for the registered provider must use a risk management approach when considering whether to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration.

 (3) If the ESOS agency for the registered provider decides to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration, the addition does not affect the provider’s period of registration.

10K  Notice of addition of one or more courses at one or more locations to registration

 (1) If:

 (a) a registered provider makes an application under section 10H; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider decides to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration;

the agency must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the provider written notice of the decision.

 (2) The notice must set out:

 (a) the name of the additional course or courses that the provider is registered to provide; and

 (b) the additional location or locations at which the provider is registered to provide that course or those courses; and

 (c) any conditions imposed on the provider’s registration under section 10B at the time of the decision and when any such conditions take effect; and

 (d) any other matters relating to the decision that the ESOS agency for the provider considers appropriate.

10L  Extension of a registered provider’s period of registration

 (1) The ESOS agency for a registered provider that is a registered higher education provider may extend the provider’s period of registration for the purpose of aligning the period with the provider’s period of registration under the TEQSA Act.

 (2) The ESOS agency for a registered provider that is a registered VET provider may extend the provider’s period of registration for the purpose of aligning the period with the provider’s period of registration under the NVETR Act.

 (3) The ESOS agency for a registered provider that is an approved school provider may extend the provider’s period of registration for the purpose of aligning the period with the provider’s period of approval as an approved school provider.

 (4) The ESOS agency for a registered provider must not extend a particular period of registration under subsection (1), (2) or (3) more than once.

 (5) The ESOS agency for a registered provider must use a risk management approach when considering whether to extend the provider’s period of registration.

10M  Continuation of registration if provider has not finished providing course before expiry of registration

 (1) This section applies if:

 (a) a registered provider is registered to provide a course at a location; and

 (b) the provider’s registration for the course at the location is due to expire before the provider has finished providing the course at the location; and

 (c) the provider has not applied under section 10D to renew that registration.

 (2) The registered provider’s registration for the course at the location continues until:

 (a) if the provider is an approved school provider—the end of the year in which the provider’s registration would have expired but for this section; or

 (b) otherwise—the provider has finished providing the course at the location to the students who were enrolled in, and had commenced, the course before the day on which the provider’s registration would have expired but for this section.

 (3) Despite subsection (2), the registered provider must not do anything for the purpose of recruiting or enrolling overseas students, or intending overseas students, for the course at the location after the day on which the provider’s registration would have expired but for this section.

36  Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 2 (heading)

Repeal the heading substitute:

Subdivision E—Other registration provisions

37  Sections 9AH and 9B

Repeal the sections, substitute:

11  When a provider or registered provider meets the registration requirements

  A provider or registered provider meets the registration requirements if:

 (a) the provider is:

 (i) a resident; or

 (ii) a Table C provider (within the meaning of the Higher Education Support Act 2003); and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider is satisfied that the provider is complying, or will comply, with:

 (i) this Act; and

 (ii) the national code; and

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; and

 (c) if the provider is not an exempt provider—the ESOS agency for the provider is satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered; and

 (d) the ESOS agency for the provider is satisfied that the provider has the principal purpose of providing education; and

 (e) the ESOS agency for the provider has no reason to believe that:

 (i) the provider does not have the clearly demonstrated capacity to provide education of a satisfactory standard; or

 (ii) the provider has not been providing, or will not provide, education of a satisfactory standard; and

 (f) if the provider is an approved school provider—the designated State authority for the provider has given the ESOS agency for the provider a DSA assessment certificate; and

 (g) if the provider is not a registered provider—the provider has paid:

 (i) the first entry to market charge (if the provider is liable to pay that charge); and

 (ii) its first TPS levy; and

 (h) if the provider is a registered provider or has previously been registered—the provider is not liable to pay an amount of:

 (i) annual registration charge; or

 (ii) the second entry to market charge; or

 (iii) the third entry to market charge; or

 (iv) TPS levy; or

 (v) late payment penalty for any such charge or levy; and

 (i) any other requirements prescribed by the regulations are satisfied.

Note 1: For when a registered higher education provider has the principal purpose of providing education, see section 5A.

Note 2: For when a provider is liable to pay the entry to market charges, see section 6 of the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997.

11A  Rules relating to applications for registration etc.

 (1) This section applies in relation to:

 (a) an application made to the ESOS agency for a provider under section 9; and

 (b) an application made to the ESOS agency for a registered provider under section 10D or 10H.

Form of application etc.

 (2) The application must be:

 (a) made in the form approved, in writing, by the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider; and

 (b) accompanied by any information and documents required by the agency.

Withdrawal of application

 (3) The provider or registered provider may withdraw the application at any time before a decision is made on the application by giving written notice to the ESOS agency for the provider.

Consideration of application

 (4) When considering the application, the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider may:

 (a) consider any information in the possession of the agency that is relevant to the application; and

 (b) conduct an audit of any matter relating to the application.

 (5) Subsection (4) does not limit the things that the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider may do when considering the application.

11B  ESOS agency may request further information or documents

 (1) This section applies in relation to:

 (a) an application made to the ESOS agency for a provider under section 9; and

 (b) an application made to the ESOS agency for a registered provider under section 10D or 10H.

 (2) If the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider needs further information or documents to decide the application, the agency may request any or all of the following to give the agency the further information or documents:

 (a) the provider;

 (b) if the provider is an approved school provider—the designated State authority for the provider;

 (c) another ESOS agency.

 (3) The request:

 (a) must be made in writing; and

 (b) must specify the period within which the further information or documents are to be given (which must be at least 14 days after the request is made); and

 (c) contain a statement setting out the effect of subsection (4).

 (4) The ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider may decline to consider, or further consider, the application until the further information or documents are given.

11C  Copies of decision notices to be given by the ESOS agency

Notice of registration etc.

 (1) If the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider gives the provider a notice under section 10A, 10G or 10K, the agency must give a copy of the notice to:

 (a) if the provider is an approved school provider—the designated State authority for the provider; and

 (b) if the ESOS agency for the provider is not the Secretary—the Secretary.

Notice of refusal to register an approved school provider

 (2) If the ESOS agency for a provider that is an approved school provider refuses to register the provider under section 10, the agency must give a copy of the notice of the decision given to the provider under section 169AC to the designated State authority for the provider.

Notice of registration conditions etc.

 (3) If the ESOS agency for a registered provider:

 (a) imposes a condition on, or varies or removes a condition of, the provider’s registration under section 10B after the commencement of the registration; or

 (b) refuses to renew the provider’s registration under section 10E; or

 (c) refuses to add one or more courses at one or more locations to the provider’s registration under section 10J; or

 (d) extends the provider’s period of registration under section 10L;

the agency must give a copy of the notice of the decision given to the provider under section 169AC to:

 (e) if the provider is an approved school provider—the designated State authority for the provider; and

 (f) if the ESOS agency for the provider is not the Secretary—the Secretary.

Note: Section 169AC requires the ESOS agency to give notice of certain decisions.

38  Subsection 12(1) (note 1)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 1: A provider is liable to pay 3 entry to market charges under section 6 of the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997. A provider must pay the first entry to market charge before the provider can be registered: see subparagraph 11(g)(i) of this Act.

39  Paragraph 12(2)(a)

Omit “Secretary registers the provider under section 9AB”, substitute “provider is registered”.

40  Paragraph 12(2)(b)

After “second”, insert “entry to market charge”.

41  Subsection 13(1)

Omit “Secretary registers the provider under section 9AB”, substitute “provider is registered”.

42  Section 14

Repeal the section, substitute:

14  Notifying designated State authorities for approved school providers of non‑compliance with this Act etc.

 (1) This section applies if:

 (a) an approved school provider applies for registration under section 9; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider has information suggesting that:

 (i) the provider is not complying, or will not comply, with this Act or the national code; or

 (ii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—the provider is not complying, or will not comply, with those Standards; or

 (iii) the provider does not have the principal purpose of providing education; or

 (iv) the provider does not have the clearly demonstrated capacity to provide education of a satisfactory standard; or

 (v) the provider has not been providing, or will not provide, education of a satisfactory standard; and

 (c) the source of the information is not the designated State authority for the provider.

 (2) Before deciding the application for registration, the ESOS agency must:

 (a) give the information to the designated State authority; and

 (b) allow the authority at least 7 days to respond, in writing, to the information.

43  Paragraph 14A(4)(f)

Repeal the paragraph.

44  Paragraph 14A(4)(h)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (h) any conditions of the provider’s registration and when any such conditions take effect;

45  Subsection 14A(6)

Repeal the subsection.

46  Section 15 (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

47  Section 16 (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

48  Section 17 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

17  Registered providers must notify their ESOS agency of offences etc. by associates and high managerial agents

49  Subsection 17(1)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

50  Subsection 17(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

51  Subsection 18(1A) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

52  Subsections 19(1) and (2)

Omit “the Secretary”.

53  Subsection 19(3)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (3) A registered provider must give the information required by this section by entering the information in the computer system established by the Secretary under section 109.

Note 1: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

Note 2: It is an offence to provide false or misleading information in complying or purporting to comply with this section: see section 108.

54  Subsection 19(4)

Omit “the Secretary”.

55  Subsection 20(1) (note 1)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 1: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

56  Paragraph 21(2B)(a)

Omit “an approved unit”, substitute “a unit”.

57  Subsection 21(3) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

58  Subsection 21(7)

Repeal the subsection.

59  Subsection 21A(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

60  Subsection 24(2) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

61  Subsection 26(3) (note 1)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 1: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

62  Section 33A

Omit:

63  Section 40 (note)

Omit “section 9AB”, substitute “section 11”.

64  Section 43

Repeal the section.

65  Subsection 46A(4)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

66  Subsection 46A(5)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for the registered provider”.

67  Paragraph 46A(5)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) any advice provided by another ESOS agency; and

 (c) if the provider is an approved school provider—any advice of the State designated authority for the provider.

68  Subsection 46B(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

69  Subsection 46B(2) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Notifying the ESOS agency and TPS Director

70  Subsection 46B(2)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

71  Section 46C

Repeal the section.

72  Subsection 46F(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

73  Subsection 46F(2)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

74  Subsection 47H(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

75  Subsection 47H(2)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

76  Subsection 53B(1) (note 1)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: There is no particular due date for unregistered providers but they cannot be registered until they have paid their first TPS levy: see subparagraph 11(g)(ii).

77  Section 53C (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

53C  Notifying the ESOS agency of payment of first TPS levy

78  Subsection 53C(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (1) If a provider who is not yet registered has paid its first TPS levy, the TPS Director must notify the ESOS agency for the provider of the payment.

Note: The ESOS agency needs to know when the first TPS levy has been paid so that the provider can be registered: see subparagraph 11(g)(ii).

79  Subsection 53C(3)

Repeal the subsection.

80  Subsection 53D(3)

Omit “Secretary if the registered”, substitute “ESOS agency for the registered provider if the”.

81  Section 83A

Omit:

substitute:

82  Section 83A (paragraph relating to Division 1)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

83  Section 83A (paragraph relating to Division 4)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

84  Section 83 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

83  ESOS agency may impose sanctions for non‑compliance etc.

85  Subsection 83(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Circumstances in which ESOS agency may take action

 (1) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may take one or more of the actions mentioned in subsection (3) against the provider if the agency believes on reasonable grounds that the provider, or an associate or high managerial agent of the provider, is breaching or has breached:

 (a) this Act; or

 (b) the national code; or

 (c) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; or

 (d) a condition of the provider’s registration.

Note: Section 93 sets out the procedure for taking the action.

86  Subsection 83(1A)

Omit “The Minister”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

87  Subsection 83(1A)

Omit “a registered provider if the Minister”, substitute “the provider if the agency”.

88  Subsection 83(1B)

Omit “The Minister”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

89  Subsection 83(1B)

Omit “a registered provider (other than a provider covered by subsection 9B(1)) if the Minister”, substitute “the provider (other than an exempt provider) if the agency”.

90  Subsection 83(1B) (note 2)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 2: The ESOS agency must have regard to the matters referred to in subsection 7A(2) in deciding whether it believes on reasonable grounds that the provider is not fit and proper to be registered.

91  Subsection 83(1C)

Omit “The Minister”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

92  Subsection 83(1C)

Omit “a registered provider if the Minister”, substitute “the registered provider if the agency”.

93  Paragraph 83(1C)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) does not have the clearly demonstrated capacity to provide education of a satisfactory standard; or

 (c) has not been providing, or has not provided, education of a satisfactory standard.

94  Subsection 83(1C) (note 2)

Before “higher”, insert “registered”.

95  Subsection 83(2)

Omit “The Minister”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

96  Subsection 83(2)

Omit “a registered provider for a course if the Minister”, substitute “the registered provider for a course if the agency”.

97  After subsection 83(2)

Insert:

 (2A) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may also take one or more of those actions against the provider if:

 (a) the provider is a registered higher education provider; and

 (b) the provider is registered under Part 2 of this Act to provide a course at one or more locations; and

 (c) the course is an accredited course (within the meaning of the TEQSA Act) in relation to the provider; and

 (d) either:

 (i) the provider ceases to be a registered higher education provider in relation to the course; or

 (ii) the course ceases to be an accredited course (within the meaning of that Act) in relation to the provider.

Note: Section 93 (which is about the procedure for action) does not apply in relation to this subsection.

 (2B) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may also take one or more of those actions against the provider if:

 (a) the provider is a registered VET provider; and

 (b) the provider is registered under Part 2 of this Act to provide a course at one or more locations; and

 (c) the course is a VET accredited course (within the meaning of the NVETR Act) in relation to the provider; and

 (d) either:

 (i) the provider ceases to be a registered VET provider in relation to the course; or

 (ii) the course ceases to be a VET accredited course (within the meaning of that Act) in relation to the provider.

Note: Section 93 (which is about the procedure for action) does not apply in relation to this subsection.

 (2C) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may also take one or more of those actions against the provider if:

 (a) the provider is an approved school provider in relation to a State; and

 (b) the provider is registered to provide a course at one or more locations in the State; and

 (c) the provider ceases to be an approved school provider in relation to the provision of the course at those locations in the State.

Note: Section 93 (which is about the procedure for action) does not apply in relation to this subsection.

98  Subsection 83(3) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Actions the ESOS agency may take

99  Subsection 83(4)

Omit “The Minister”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

100  Subsection 83(4)

Omit “a registered”, substitute “the”.

101  Subsection 83(4)

Omit “the Minister”, substitute “the agency”.

102  Section 84

Repeal the section, substitute:

84  ESOS agency may take further action

  The ESOS agency for a registered provider may take action under section 83 even if other action has already been taken under that section in relation to the same matter.

103  Section 85 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

85  ESOS agency may take action for breaches occurring before provider was registered

104  Section 85

Omit “Minister may take action against a registered provider”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider may take action against the provider”.

105  Subsections 86(1) and (2)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

106  At the end of Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part 6

Add:

87  Breaches of this Act etc. by approved school providers

 (1) This section applies if:

 (a) a registered provider is an approved school provider; and

 (b) the ESOS agency for the provider has information suggesting that the provider may have breached:

 (i) this Act; or

 (ii) the national code; or

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; and

 (c) the source of the information is not the designated State authority for the provider.

 (2) Before the ESOS agency takes any action under this Act in relation to the possible breach, the agency:

 (a) must notify the designated State authority of the possible breach; and

 (b) may request the authority to investigate the matter or take any other suitable action.

 (3) Despite subsection (2), the ESOS agency may take any action under this Act in relation to the possible breach if, in the agency’s opinion, the circumstances of the possible breach require urgent action.

107  Sections 89 and 89A

Repeal the sections, substitute:

89  Automatic suspension if registered provider is no longer fit and proper

ESOS agency no longer satisfied registered provider is fit and proper

 (1) If the ESOS agency for a registered provider (other than an exempt provider) is no longer satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered, the registration of the provider is suspended for all courses for all locations by force of this subsection.

Note: Section 95 sets out the effect of the suspension.

Designated State authority no longer satisfied that registered provider is fit and proper

 (2) If:

 (a) a registered provider (other than an exempt provider) is an approved school provider in relation to a State; and

 (b) the designated State authority for the provider tells the ESOS agency for the provider that the authority is no longer satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered;

the registration of the provider is suspended for all courses for all locations in the State by force of this subsection.

Note: Section 95 sets out the effect of the suspension.

Notification of suspension

 (3) If the registration of a provider has been suspended by force of subsection (1) or (2), the ESOS agency for the provider must, in writing, notify the following of the suspension:

 (a) the provider;

 (b) if the ESOS agency considers it is appropriate to inform another ESOS agency for a provider of the suspension—the other ESOS agency.

Removal of suspension

 (4) If:

 (a) the registration of a provider has been suspended by force of subsection (1) or (2); and

 (b) either:

 (i) in the case of a suspension by force of subsection (1)—the ESOS agency for the provider becomes satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered again; or

 (ii) in the case of a suspension by force of subsection (2)—the designated State authority for the provider tells the ESOS agency for the provider that the authority has become satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered again;

the agency may give the provider a notice that sets out the effect of subsection (5).

 (5) If the ESOS agency for a provider gives the provider a notice under subsection (4), the suspension of the provider’s registration is removed by force of this subsection when the provider has paid the associated reinstatement fee.

Note 1: The ESOS agency and designated State authority must have regard to the matters referred to in subsection 7A(2) in deciding whether they are satisfied that the provider is fit and proper to be registered.

Note 2: For the amount of the associated reinstatement fee, see section 171.

108  Section 91

Repeal the section.

109  Section 93

Repeal the section, substitute:

93  Procedure for taking action etc.

 (1) This section applies if:

 (a) both of the following apply:

 (i) the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider is considering imposing a condition on, or varying a condition of, the provider’s registration under section 10B;

 (ii) if the provider is an approved school provider—the condition is not a condition recommended in a DSA assessment certificate, or DSA recommendation certificate, given to the agency by the designated State authority for the provider; or

 (b) the ESOS agency for a registered provider is considering taking action under Subdivision A of this Division (other than subsection 83(2A), (2B) or (2C)); or

 (c) the ESOS agency for a provider is considering not giving the provider a notice under subsection 89(4).

 (2) Before the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider decides to do the thing referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c), the agency must give the provider a written notice that:

 (a) states that the agency is considering doing that thing; and

 (b) requests the provider to give the agency written submissions about the matter within at least the period referred to in subsection (3).

 (3) The period is:

 (a) if paragraph (1)(a) applies—72 hours; or

 (b) if paragraph (1)(b) applies:

 (i) if the agency is of the opinion that the circumstances require urgent action—24 hours; or

 (ii) otherwise—72 hours; or

 (c) if paragraph (1)(c) applies—7 days.

 (4) If, after considering any submissions received within the period mentioned in paragraph (2)(b), the ESOS agency for the provider or registered provider considers that the agency should decide to do the thing referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c), the agency:

 (a) may so decide; and

 (b) must give the provider written notice of the decision.

110  Section 94 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

94  ESOS agency may remove condition of registration or suspension of registration

111  Subsection 94(1)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

112  Subsection 94(2)

Omit “Minister has given a provider”, substitute “ESOS agency for a provider has given the provider”.

113  Subsection 94(3)

Omit “Minister”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

114  Subsection 94(4)

Omit “Minister has given a provider”, substitute “ESOS agency for a provider has given the provider”.

115  Subsection 95(3)

Omit “Minister may give to a provider whose registration is suspended”, substitute “ESOS agency for a provider whose registration is suspended may give the provider”.

116  Subsection 106(1)

Omit “Minister to give a registered provider”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider to give the provider”.

117  Subsection 109(1)

After “established”, insert “by the Secretary”.

118  Subsection 109(1)

Omit “to the Secretary”.

119  Subsection 110A(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (1) The ESOS agency for a registered provider may accept a written undertaking given by the provider that:

 (a) the provider will take, or refrain from taking, specified action in order for the provider to comply with:

 (i) a provision of this Act; or

 (ii) the national code; or

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; or

 (iv) a condition of the provider’s registration; or

 (b) the provider will take specified action directed towards ensuring that in the future the provider does not, or is unlikely to, contravene:

 (i) a provision of this Act; or

 (ii) the national code; or

 (iii) if the ELICOS Standards or Foundation Program Standards apply in relation to the provider—those Standards; or

 (iv) a condition of the provider’s registration.

120  Subsections 110A(2), (3) and (4)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider”.

121  Subsection 110B(1)

Omit “The Secretary”, substitute “The ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

122  Paragraph 110B(1)(a)

Omit “a registered provider”, substitute “the provider”.

123  Paragraph 110B(1)(c)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency”.

124  Section 111A

Omit:

substitute:

125  Section 111A (paragraph relating to Division 2)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

126  Section 111A (paragraphs relating to Divisions 3 and 4)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

127  Subsection 113(1)

Omit “Secretary reasonably believes that an individual specified in subsection (4)”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider reasonably believes that a relevant individual of the provider”.

128  Subsection 113(2)

Omit “Secretary may give the”, substitute “ESOS agency may give the relevant”.

129  Paragraphs 113(2)(a), (b) and (c)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the agency”.

130  Subsection 113(2) (note)

Omit “Secretary may also give the”, substitute “ESOS agency may also give the relevant”.

131  Subsection 113(4)

Repeal the subsection.

132  Subsection 115(1)

Omit “Secretary must give a production notice to an individual”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider must give a production notice under section 113 to a relevant individual of the provider”.

133  Subparagraph 115(1)(b)(i)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency”.

134  Paragraph 115(1)(c)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency”.

135  Subsection 115(2)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency”.

136  Subsection 116(1)

Omit “Secretary reasonably believes that an individual specified in subsection (3)”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider reasonably believes that a relevant individual of the provider”.

137  Subsection 116(2)

Omit “Secretary may give the”, substitute “ESOS agency may give the relevant”.

138  Subsection 116(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the agency”.

139  Subsection 116(2) (note)

Omit “Secretary may also give the”, substitute “ESOS agency may also give the relevant”.

140  Subsection 116(3)

Repeal the subsection.

141  Subsection 117(1)

After “attendance notice”, insert “given to a relevant individual of a registered provider”.

142  Subsection 117(2)

Omit “individual”, substitute “relevant individual of a registered provider”.

143  Subsection 122(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

144  Subsection 122(1)

After “notice”, insert “given by the agency”.

145  Subsection 124(1)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

146  Subsection 124(1)

Omit “employee’s”, substitute “officer’s”.

147  Paragraphs 124(1)(a) and (c)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

148  Subsection 124(2)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (2) This subsection covers a person if the person is an employee of the same ESOS agency as the authorised officer.

149  Section 125 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

125  Retaining of documents by authorised officer etc.

150  Subsection 125(1)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

151  Subsection 125(1)

Omit “employee’s”, substitute “officer’s”.

152  Subsection 125(1)

Omit “employee under”, substitute “officer under”.

153  Subsection 125(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

154  Subsection 125(2) (note)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

155  Subsection 125(3)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (3) This subsection covers a person if the person is an employee of the same ESOS agency as the authorised officer.

156  Subsection 126(1)

Omit “An employee retaining”, substitute “A person who retains”.

157  Subsection 126(3)

Omit “employee”, substitute “person retaining the document”.

158  Section 128 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

128  Authorised officer etc. may apply to retain document for a further period

159  Subsection 128(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (1) An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider given a document under this Division, or another person (the permitted person) who is retaining such a document under section 125, may apply to a magistrate or tribunal member for an order that the officer or permitted person may retain the document for a further period.

160  Paragraph 128(2)(a)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

161  Subsection 128(3) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Persons affected by notice to be notified if practicable

162  Subsection 128(3)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer or permitted person”.

163  Section 129

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “person”.

164  Section 130 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

130  Authorised officer may enter premises for a monitoring purpose

165  Subsection 130(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

166  Subparagraph 130(1)(a)(i)

Omit “a registered provider”, substitute “the provider”.

167  Subsection 130(2)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “The authorised officer”.

168  Paragraph 130(2)(a)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

169  Section 131 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

131  Monitoring powers of authorised officers

170  Subsection 131(1)

Omit “an authorised employee”, insert “an authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

171  Paragraph 131(1)(g)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

172  Subparagraphs 131(1)(h)(i), (ii) and (iii)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

173  Subsection 131(5)

Omit “an authorised employee”, substitute “the authorised officer”.

174  Section 132 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

132  Authorised officer on premises with consent may ask questions

175  Section 132

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

176  Subparagraph 132(a)(ii)

Omit “employee any document requested by the employee”, substitute “officer any document requested by the officer”.

177  Section 133 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

133  Authorised officer on premises under warrant may ask questions

178  Section 133

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

179  Subparagraph 133(a)(ii)

Omit “employee any document requested by the employee”, substitute “authorised officer any document requested by the officer”.

180  Subsection 134(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

181  Section 135

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

182  Subsection 136(1)

Omit “authorised employee”, substitute “authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

183  Subsection 136(1)

Omit “employee may”, substitute “authorised officer may”.

184  Section 137 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

137  Authorised officer may apply for a monitoring warrant

185  Subsection 137(1)

Omit “authorised employee”, substitute “authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

186  Subsection 137(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

187  Section 138

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

188  Subsection 139(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

189  Subsection 139(3)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

190  Paragraph 140(1)(a)

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

191  Subsection 140(2)

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers”.

192  Section 141 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

141  Authorised officer may enter premises to look for evidential material

193  Subsection 141(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

194  Subsection 141(2)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

195  Subsection 141(3)

Omit “an authorised employee”, substitute “the authorised officer”.

196  Paragraph 141(3)(a)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

197  Section 142 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

142  Search powers of authorised officers

198  Subsection 142(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

199  Paragraph 142(1)(f)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

200  Subsection 142(5)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “The authorised officer”.

201  Subsection 142(6)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “The authorised officer”.

202  Subsection 142(6)

Omit “the employee”, substitute “the officer”.

203  Subsection 142(7)

Omit “an authorised employee”, substitute “the authorised officer”.

204  Section 143 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

143  Authorised officer may apply for a search warrant

205  Subsection 143(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

206  Subsection 143(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

207  Subsection 145(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

208  Subsection 145(3)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

209  Paragraph 146(1)(a)

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

210  Subsection 146(2)

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers”.

211  Sections 147 and 148

Omit “employee”, insert “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

212  Subsection 149(1)

Omit “if the authorised employee”, substitute “if an authorised employee of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

213  Subparagraphs 149(1)(a)(i) and (ii)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

214  Subsection 149(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

215  Subsection 149(3) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Authorised officer must give notice

216  Subsection 149(3)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

217  Subsection 150(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

218  Subsection 150(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

219  Subsection 151(1)

Omit “employee is on premises under section 130 or 141 if the employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider is on premises under section 130 or 141 if the authorised officer”.

220  Subsection 151(2)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

221  Subsection 152(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

222  Subsections 152(2) and (3)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

223  Section 153 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

153  Authorised officer may apply for a thing to be retained for a further period

224  Subsection 153(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

225  Subsection 153(2)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

226  Subsection 153(3) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Authorised officer must try to notify those affected

227  Subsection 153(3)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

228  Subsection 154(1)

Omit “authorised employee”, substitute “authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

229  Subsection 154(1)

Omit “the employee”, substitute “the officer”.

230  Subsection 154(2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

231  Section 155 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

155  Occupier to provide authorised officer with all facilities and assistance

232  Subsection 155(1)

Omit “authorised employee”, substitute “authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

233  Subsection 155(1)

Omit “that employee”, substitute “that officer”.

234  Subdivision B of Division 5 of Part 7 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Subdivision B—Obligations on authorised officers etc.

235  Subsection 156(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

236  Subsection 156(2)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

237  Subsections 157(1)

Omit “obtaining”, substitute “an authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider obtains”.

238  Subsection 157(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

239  Subsection 157(2)

Omit “an authorised employee”, substitute “the authorised officer”.

240  Subsection 158(1)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

241  Subsection 159(1)

Omit “If a monitoring warrant or a search warrant is being executed”, substitute “If an authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider is executing a monitoring warrant or a search warrant”.

242  Subsections 159(1) and (2)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

243  Subsection 162(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (1) The ESOS agency for a registered provider must give each authorised officer of the agency an identity card.

244  Paragraph 162(2)(a)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

245  Paragraph 162(2)(b)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer of the agency”.

246  Paragraph 162(3)(b)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

247  Paragraph 162(3)(c)

Omit “Secretary”, substitute “agency”.

248  Subsection 162(6) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Authorised officer must always carry identity card

249  Subsection 162(6)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

250  Section 163 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

163  Authorised officer must produce identity card on request

251  Section 163

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

252  Paragraphs 163(a) and (b)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

253  Section 164 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

164  Authorised officer may apply for warrants by telephone etc.

254  Subsection 164(1)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

255  Subsection 164(1)

Omit “the employee”, substitute “the authorised officer”.

256  Subsection 164(3)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

257  Subsection 164(4)

Omit “employee”, substitute “authorised officer”.

258  Paragraph 165(2)(a)

Omit “employees”, substitute “officers of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

259  Paragraph 166(2)(a)

Omit “the authorised employee”, substitute “an authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

260  Subsection 166(3) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Obligations on authorised officers

261  Subsection 166(3)

Omit “employee” (wherever occurring), substitute “officer”.

262  Subsection 167(1) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Obligations on authorised officer

263  Subsection 167(1)

Omit “An authorised employee”, substitute “An authorised officer of the ESOS agency for a registered provider”.

264  Paragraph 167(1)(a)

Omit “employee”, substitute “officer”.

265  Subsection 170A(1)

Omit “Minister, Immigration Minister or Secretary”, substitute “ESOS agency for a provider or Immigration Minister”.

266  Subsection 170A(2)

Omit “Secretary may publish information about”, substitute “ESOS agency for the provider may publish information about the following matters in the way specified by the Secretary under subsection (4)”.

267  Paragraph 170A(2)(a)

Omit “taken; and”, substitute “taken;”.

268  Subparagraph 170A(2)(b)(i)

Omit “a provider”, substitute “the provider”.

269  Subsection 170A(3)

Omit “if the Secretary”, substitute “if the ESOS agency for the provider”.

270  Subsection 170A(3)

Omit “Secretary must”, substitute “agency must”.

271  Subsection 170A(4)

Repeal the subsection substitute:

 (4) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, specify the way in which the ESOS agency for a registered provider publishes the information referred to in subsection (2).

272  Subsections 170(1) to (4)

Repeal the subsections, substitute:

Delegation by the Minister

 (1) The Minister may, by writing, delegate any or all of his or her functions or powers under this Act to:

 (a) the Secretary; or

 (b) an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department.

Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

 (2) In exercising functions or powers under a delegation under subsection (1), the delegate must comply with any directions of the Minister.

Delegation by the Secretary

 (3) The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of his or her functions or powers under this Act (including his or her functions or powers as the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider) to:

 (a) an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department; or

 (b) an APS employee in the Department who holds or performs the duties of an Executive Level 1 or 2 position or an equivalent position; or

 (c) TEQSA; or

 (d) the National VET Regulator.

Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

 (4) In exercising functions or powers under a delegation under subsection (3), the delegate must comply with any directions of the Secretary.

Delegation by ESOS agencies

 (4A) The ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider (other than the Secretary) may, by writing, delegate any or all of the agency’s functions or powers under this Act to:

 (a) if the agency is TEQSA—a person or authority mentioned in subsection 199(1) of the TEQSA Act; or

 (b) if the agency is the National VET Regulator—a person or authority mentioned in subsection 224(1) of the NVETR Act; or

 (c) otherwise—a person who is an employee or constituent member of the agency if the agency is satisfied that the person has suitable qualifications and experience.

 (4B) In exercising functions or powers under a delegation under subsection (4A), the delegate must comply with any directions of the ESOS agency.

273  After section 170

Insert:

171A  Subdelegation by TEQSA or National VET Regulator

 (1) If the Secretary delegates a function or power under subsection 170(3) to TEQSA, TEQSA may, in writing, subdelegate the function or power to:

 (a) a Commissioner (within the meaning of the TEQSA Act); or

 (b) the Chief Executive Officer of TEQSA; or

 (c) a member of the staff of TEQSA (within the meaning of the TEQSA Act) who:

 (i) is an SES employee, or acting SES employee; or

 (ii) holds or performs the duties of an Executive Level 1 or 2 position or an equivalent position.

Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

 (2) If the Secretary delegates a function or power under subsection 170(3) to the National VET Regulator, the National VET Regulator may, in writing, subdelegate the function or power to:

 (a) a Commissioner (within the meaning of the NVETR Act); or

 (b) a member of the staff of the Regulator (within the meaning of the NVETR Act) who:

 (i) is an SES employee, or acting SES employee; or

 (ii) holds or performs the duties of an Executive Level 1 or 2 position or an equivalent position.

Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

274  Subsection 171(1)

Omit “89(3), 89A(3)”, substitute “89(5)”.

275  Paragraph 172(1)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) second entry to market charge; or

 (ba) third entry to market charge; or

276  Subsection 172(1) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: If a registered provider breaches this section, the ESOS agency for the provider may take action under Division 1 of Part 6 against the provider.

277  Paragraph 173(1)(aa)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (aa) the second entry to market charge;

 (ab) the third entry to market charge;

278  Paragraph 175(1)(a)

Omit “and the national code”, substitute “, the national code, the ELICOS Standards and the Foundation Program Standards”.

279  Subsection 175(1)

After “Secretary”, insert “, or the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider,”.

280  After paragraph 175(1)(e)

Insert:

 (ea) the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider; or

 (eb) the Secretary; or

281  Paragraph 175(2)(a)

Omit “and the national code”, substitute “, the national code, the ELICOS Standards and the Foundation Program Standards”.

282  Subsection 175(2)

After “Secretary”, insert “, or the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider,”.

Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Act 2012

283  Subsection 5(3)

Omit “section 9AB of”.

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011

284  Subparagraph 204(c)(i)

After “this Act”, insert “or the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000,”.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

285  Paragraph 188(2)(a)

After “this Act”, insert “or the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000,”.

Schedule 2—Review of decisions

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

1  Section 5

Insert:

affected provider for a reviewable decision has the meaning given by section 169AB.

internal reviewer means:

 (a) the ESOS agency for an affected provider; or

 (b) a delegate referred to in paragraph 169AE(1)(b).

reviewable decision has the meaning given by section 169AB.

2  Paragraph 14B(2)(d)

Omit “to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal”.

3  Subsection 53B(1) (note 2)

Repeal the note.

4  At the end of section 53B

Add:

 (3) The notice must also include:

 (a) the reasons for the determination referred to in section 53A; and

 (b) a statement that an application may be made under section 169AG for review of the determination by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

 (4) A failure to give the notice required by this section does not affect the validity of the determination.

5  After Part 7

Insert:

Part 7A—Review of decisions

Division 1—Introduction

169AA  Guide to this Part

Division 2—Review of decisions

169AB  Reviewable decisions

  Each decision referred to in column 1 of the following table is a reviewable decision. A provider or registered provider referred to in column 2 of that table in relation to a reviewable decision is the affected provider for the decision.

169AC  Notice of decision

 (1) The ESOS agency must, as soon as practicable after making a reviewable decision, give the affected provider for the decision a written notice containing:

 (a) the terms of the decision; and

 (b) the reasons for the decision; and

 (c) notice of the provider’s right to have the decision reviewed.

 (2) A failure to give the notice required by this section does not affect the validity of the reviewable decision.

169AD  Application for internal review of reviewable decisions made by delegates

 (1) If a reviewable decision is made by a delegate of the ESOS agency for an affected provider, the affected provider for the decision may apply to the agency for review of the decision.

Note: Reviewable decisions whether or not made by a delegate of the ESOS agency may be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (see section 169AG).

 (2) The application must:

 (a) be made in the form approved, in writing, by the ESOS agency; and

 (b) be accompanied by any information and documents required by the agency; and

 (c) be made within:

 (i) 30 days after the affected provider for the decision is notified of the decision; or

 (ii) if the agency allows a longer period (whether before or after the end of that 30 day period)—that longer period.

169AE  Internal review of reviewable decisions

 (1) If an application for review of a reviewable decision is made under section 169AD to the ESOS agency for an affected provider, the agency must:

 (a) review the reviewable decision; or

 (b) cause the reviewable decision to be reviewed by a delegate of the agency:

 (i) who was not involved in making the decision; and

 (ii) who occupies a position that is at least the same level as that occupied by the delegate who made the decision.

 (2) The internal reviewer may:

 (a) affirm, vary or set aside the reviewable decision; and

 (b) if the internal reviewer sets aside the decision—make such other decision as he or she thinks appropriate.

  (3) The decision (the internal review decision) of the internal reviewer is taken (other than for the purposes of section 169AB) to have been made under the provision under which the reviewable decision was made.

 (4) The internal reviewer must, as soon as practicable after making the internal review decision, give the applicant a written notice containing:

 (a) the terms of the decision; and

 (b) the reasons for the decision; and

 (c) notice of the applicant’s right to have the decision reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

 (5) A failure to comply with subsection (4) does not affect the validity of the internal review decision.

169AF  Internal review decision must be made within 90 days

 (1) The internal reviewer must make a decision on an application for review of a reviewable decision within 90 days after the application is made under section 169AD.

 (2) If the internal reviewer does not make a decision on the application within that period, the internal reviewer is taken to have made a decision under section 169AE to affirm the reviewable decision at the end of that period.

169AG  Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

 (1) Applications may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of:

 (a) a reviewable decision; or

 (b) a decision of the internal reviewer made under section 169AE that relates to a reviewable decision; or

 (c) a determination by the TPS Director of an amount of TPS levy payable by a provider or registered provider under subsection 53A(1).

 (2) An application under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) of this section may only be made by, or on behalf of, the affected provider for the reviewable decision referred to in that paragraph.

 (3) An application under paragraph (1)(c) of this section may only be made by, or on behalf of, the provider or registered provider referred to in that paragraph.

6  Section 169A

Omit:

substitute:

7  Section 176

Repeal the section.

Schedule 3—Ministerial directions

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

1  After section 170B

Insert:

170C  Minister may give directions to the ESOS agency

 (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give directions to the ESOS agency for a provider or registered provider about the performance of the agency’s functions under this Act.

Note: Part 4 of Chapter 3 (sunsetting) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to a direction (see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 54(2)(b) of that Act).

 (2) However, the Minister must not give a direction under subsection (1) about, or in relation to, a particular provider or registered provider.

 (3) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 44(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003 do not apply in relation to a direction under subsection (1) of this section.

Note: This means that section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislation Act 2003 applies to the direction.

 (4) The ESOS agency must comply with a direction under subsection (1).

 (5) The Minister may consult the Immigration Minister about the giving of a direction under subsection (1).

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011

2  Section 159

After “section 160”, insert “of this Act and section 170C of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000”.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

3  Section 135

After “section 136”, insert “of this Act and section 170C of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000”.

Schedule 4—TPS Director

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

1  Section 5 (at the end of the definition of production notice)

Add “or 113A”.

2  Section 5

Insert:

TPS officer means:

 (a) an APS employee in the Department who assists the TPS Director in the performance of the TPS Director’s functions; or

 (b) a consultant engaged by the TPS Director under section 54L.

3  After paragraph 54B(f)

Insert:

 (fa) recommending that the ESOS agency for a registered provider take one or more actions against the provider under subsection 83(1A);

4  At the end of Division 3 of Part 5A

Add:

54N  Application of finance law

  For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013), the TPS Director is an official of the Department.

5  After subsection 83(1A)

Insert:

 (1AA) The ESOS agency for a registered provider must consider any recommendation made by the TPS Director under paragraph 54B(fa) that relates to the provider in deciding whether to take one or more actions against the provider under subsection (1A) of this section.

6  Section 111A (at the end of the paragraph relating to Division 2)

Add:

The TPS Director may also give a production notice under that Division.

7  Section 113 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

113  ESOS agency for a registered provider may give a production notice

8  After section 113

Insert:

113A  TPS Director may give a production notice

 (1) This section applies if the TPS Director reasonably believes that a relevant individual of a registered provider has, or has access to, information or documents that are relevant to the performance of the TPS Director’s functions under Part 5 of this Act.

 (2) The TPS Director may give the relevant individual a written notice requiring the individual:

 (a) to give any such information or documents to a TPS officer; or

 (b) to show any such documents to a TPS officer; or

 (c) to make copies of any such documents and give the copies to a TPS officer.

 (3) If the information or documents are in a particular form then the notice may require the information or documents to be given in that form.

9  Paragraph 114(1)(a)

After “section 113”, insert “or 113A”.

10  Paragraph 114(1)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) set out the effects of sections 120 and 121; and

 (ba) if the notice is given under section 113—set out the effect of section 122; and

 (bb) if the notice is given under section 113A—set out the effect of section 122A; and