A ‘reform agenda’ has been announced by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency which aims to cut red tape; allowing faster decisions, online submissions lodging and less hassle for trusted providers.

The agenda is based on the work of ex vice-chancellor Kwong Lee Dow in the “red tape cutter’s report” and previous amendments discussed y the agency itself.

The new Education Minister, Chris Pyne has not made a decision about the regulatory direction his department will take, but has indicated that streamlining access and services would be part of it.

Under the plans launched this week by TEQSA, better case management will be employed to indentify trusted providers and offer streamlined services. TEQSA says it will also take on a “greater dialogue” with riskier groups.

A provider with a “strong accreditation record can expect major streamlining in new and existing courses, especially in core areas of strength [and there will be] shorter decision times in most cases,” TEQSA commissioner Michael Wells said in a talk to institutional officials in Melbourne this week..

Those groups that hold a solid history of delivery will benefit from “lower scrutiny” and have to meet “core requirements only”, Mr Wells said.