Funding Fairness: Public vs Private RTOs with Lauren Hollows

🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards, with Lauren Hollows, dives into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia’s VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs. Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding—despite data showing private providers deliver better outcomes at lower costs. 🚨 Here’s what’s at stake: • 📊 Private RTOs boast higher completion rates (54%) vs. TAFE’s 43% • 💰 For every $1 spent on a private RTO, $3.34 is spent on TAFE • ✅ Student and employer satisfaction consistently favours private providers Angela explores the real impact of this funding imbalance, from regional RTO closures to TAFE’s capacity crisis—outdated facilities, digital access issues, and staff shortages. She also uncovers the hidden flaw in “fee-free” training: ❗️low student commitment and poor completion rates, leading to wasted resources and skills shortages. ✅ What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why the “dodgy RTO” myth doesn’t hold up to the data • How current funding decisions risk collapsing the support ecosystem for quality training • The unintended consequences of centralising training delivery • What we must do now to protect student choice, innovation, and training diversity in Australia 🎧 Tune in to join the fight for fair, equitable funding—and learn how you can take action. ✍️ Sign the petition: change.org/save_private_rtos (https://change.org/save_private_rtos) Send us Fan Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1013356/fa...) Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1013356/su...) Thank you for joining me on the RTO Superhero Podcast! Each week, we turn the Standards for RTOs 2025 into practical actions to strengthen your systems, support your people and drive continuous improvement. 📘 Take the next step Explore practical approaches to governance and building a strong, sustainable RTO: • The Governance Shift (https://governance-shift.vivacity.com...) • 8 Critical Drivers to RTO Success (https://8-critical-drivers-book.vivac...) 🤝 Connect with the RTO community Share ideas, connect with others in the sector and explore opportunities: • RTO Community on Facebook (  / vivacitycommunity  ) • RTO Job Board on Facebook (  / rtojobboard  ) • RTO Job Board on LinkedIn (  / 7037547  ) 🎙 Keep learning Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this episode with someone in your RTO who could use it. For more practical compliance insights, subscribe to EduStream by Vivacity Coaching on YouTube (   / @vivacitycoach  ) . 💬 Need support for your RTO? Email: hello@vivacity.com.au (mailto:hello@vivacity.com.au) Phone: 1300 729 455 Website: vivacity.com.au (https://vivacity.com.au/) Vivacity. ...