The Australian Government has recently announced the establishment of an Ombudsman body to address complaints regarding the VET FEE-HELP (VFH) scheme and the new VET Student Loans (VSL) program, in response to recent issues surrounding the scheme.
The new VSL program and VSL Ombudsman aims to make training providers more accountable for the fair treatment of VET students.
VET students can address any complaints against their training provider through a three-tier process. More information on this is available through the Department of Education and Training.
The VSL Ombudsman will investigate students’ complaints and recommend training providers take action to address problems within their systems.
Additionally, it will review provider compliance with program requirements, and work to develop a code of practice within VET industries.
The VSL Ombudsman will commence on 1 July 2017 within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
For more information visit the Commonwealth Ombudsman website.
► If you, or someone you know, has an issue or complaint with the VFH or VSL before 1 July 2017 contact the Department of Education and Training’s HELP Enquiry Line on 1800 020 108.
