ASQA suspends registration of VET provider HBA Learning Centres

HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd has had its registration as a provider of vocational education and training (VET) services suspended.

An announcement by the the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) confirms that the decision was taken following regulatory scrutiny of the training provider.

The regulator noted that “the provider has not operated consistently with the requirements of the VET Quality Framework, which is a condition of registration.”

HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd (HBA) was founded in 2006 by Managing Director, Harold Baldry.

The company provides courses across four verticals; business; training and assessment; work, health and safety; and, early childhood education and care (ECEC).   

Within the ECEC vertical the RTO offers Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care courses.

During the period of suspension HBA is not able to engage any of the following activities:

• Enrol a student in a suspended VET course or part of a suspended VET course
• Allow a student to begin a suspended VET course or part of a suspended VET course
• Publish or broadcast an advertisement relating to a suspended VET course or part of a suspended VET course
• Cause to be published or broadcast an advertisement relating to a suspended VET course  or any part of suspended VET course.

ASQA came to the decision on 5 October 2018, published the decision on 29 October 2018  and has confirmed the effective date as 20 November 2018.

When asked about the decision, Mr Baldry commented “We feel strongly that the regulator has reached the wrong conclusion regarding our business and have applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to have the decision reviewed.”

The hearing will take place on 14 January, 2019.