$30.4M Penalty for VET FEE-HELP Scandal: Why Compliance Training Is Critical

The recent $30.4 million penalty imposed by the Federal Court on Learning College, its parent company Site Group, and former COO, Blake Wills, serves as a major wake-up call for all Australian businesses. 

The misconduct involved systemic unconscionable conduct and misleading students under the now-defunct VET FEE-HELP loan scheme – leading to thousands of individuals incurring debts for courses they never started, and costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

A Warning for All Industries 

According to ACCC Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, the consequences were devastating: 

“caused distress to thousands of consumers who for many years were told they had significant debts to the Government.” 

This case highlights the broader risk of non-compliance – not just in education, but across sectors. The legal, financial, and reputational fallout is real and avoidable. 

How Compliance Training Can Prevent Misconduct 

Organisational culture and awareness are key to preventing similar failures. Regular, targeted compliance training empowers staff to: 

• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities 

• Identify and report risks early 

• Foster a culture of integrity and transparency 

Whether you operate in education, finance, or professional services, a strong Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) framework is non-negotiable. 

Start with Practical, Expert-Led Training 

At GRC Solutions, our online compliance training courses are designed to meet the needs of businesses across APAC. Covering everything from risk management and governance to whistleblower protection and ethical conduct, our training supports compliance at every level of your organisation. 

Delivered through our customisable Salt Compliance LMS, our eLearning solutions are: 

• Legally up-to-date 

• Engaging and interactive 

• Flexible to fit your team’s schedules 

Don’t Wait for the Regulator to Act 

This ruling reinforces a simple truth: non-compliance is costly – not just financially, but in reputation and trust. 

📘 Take proactive steps today.
👉 Explore our full suite of compliance training courses here 

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