The Australian corporate regulator has defended its decision not to launch a full investigation after receiving early complaints about the former owners of a Canberra private school, stating it is not a general "complaint-handling authority."
Senate Estimates Grilling Over 2021 Complaints
During a Senate estimates hearing, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) chair Joseph Longo faced questioning from independent senator David Pocock over the commission's actions. Senator Pocock specifically asked why ASIC did not pursue a deeper investigation after community members first raised concerns about Brindabella Christian Education Limited in 2021.
Mr Longo explained that ASIC receives thousands of complaints annually and must make difficult choices about where to direct its enforcement resources. He told the economics committee on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, that the commission typically has the capacity to examine only 200 to 300 of the multitude of reports it receives each year.
"We try to help to the extent we can, but we're not a complaint-handling authority," Mr Longo stated. "We cannot be everywhere."
Prioritising Resources Amid High Volume
The ASIC chair emphasised that the regulator must exercise judgment based on its mandate and enforcement priorities. He acknowledged that while people suffer financial losses, ASIC is not positioned to take up every individual case.
"There will be thousands more where we will not take action because we do not think that is appropriate to, given our enforcement priorities, responsibilities and our mandate," Mr Longo said.
When pressed by Senator Pocock, who suggested ASIC had initially "fobbed off" concerned community members, Mr Longo rejected the characterisation. "It's not my intent to fob them off, senator," he responded. "It is my intent to explain the system and the letters are not evidence."
Brindabella's Administration and Future
The questioning comes in the wake of significant financial turmoil for the school's former proprietor. Brindabella Christian Education Limited entered voluntary administration on March 5, 2025. This followed action by the Australian Taxation Office, which had moved to wind up the school's owners in February 2025.
Despite the collapse of the original company, the school itself continues to operate. It has been purchased by a new entity, Christian Community Ministries, ensuring its ongoing presence in the Canberra education landscape.
Senator Pocock had further specific questions regarding the company's dealings and the content of letters ASIC sent to whistleblowers in 2021. Mr Longo committed to taking those detailed questions on notice, promising a serious review.
"We will take your question with great respect and look at it seriously," he told the committee.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between public expectations for regulatory intervention and the practical limitations faced by agencies like ASIC when triaging a high volume of complaints and reports.
