About the audits

The Queensland Government is committed to the National Standards for group training organisations (GTOs) which represent a quality benchmark for group training organisations. These standards provide the government with a consistent basis for the recognition, support and monitoring of GTOs.

The department has developed audit arrangements for Queensland based on the requirements of the National Standards.

The audit arrangements are found on page: group training organisations audit.

Under the national framework, independent audits of GTOs against the National Standards are required at least once every 5 years. An initial compliance audit is required if a corporation is applying for recognition as a GTO in Queensland. Subsequent compliance audits are conducted at least once every five years.

The department determines the period between audits based on the risk assessment. For example, the department may require a subsequent audit for a lesser period than 5 years where:

• the GTO has been newly established and recognised, so the department may require the GTO to undertake a subsequent audit within 12 months of its commencing operations to ensure that its quality arrangements have been fully implemented in its operations
• the department has concerns that a GTO has had to address a number of non-compliances in its latest external audit, and may want to ensure that the rectifications of the non-compliances have been fully implemented.

In addition, GTOs must undertake a self-assessment audit by 31 December each year and submit a self-assessment report by 31 January of the following year.

The department may conduct other audits with a minimum of 7 business days' notice during the 5-year period.

The cost of the auditing service, including all compliance audits and any rectification work undertaken involving any additional services, is borne by the GTO.

Last updated 4 December 2018