OSCA member submission pack

Deadline for submissions: Friday 24 April 2026, 11.59pm (AEST)

We have finalised the PAA submission to improve how Pilates is classified in the Occupational Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

Read the full PAA submission here: PAA OSCA Submission

Currently, Pilates is grouped within fitness-based occupations. This does not reflect how many Pilates professionals actually work — delivering assessment-informed, individualised programs and condition-specific classes requiring comprehensive training and independent decision-making.

We are seeking:

• changes to the existing Pilates instructor code, and
• recognition of Therapeutic Pilates Practitioner as a new occupation code

Why this matters:
• Better recognition of Comprehensive Pilates as a skilled profession
• More accurate workforce data for Pilates
• Stronger positioning within the health and well-being sector
• Support for future policy, research and funding decisions
• Clearer differentiation from fitness-based group exercise

How You Can Help

Individual submissions from practising instructors are extremely valuable. They demonstrate how Pilates is delivered in real workplaces and help ensure the classification reflects the reality of the profession.

You do not need to write a long submission. Even a short response explaining your role will help.

1. Go to the OSCA Consultation Hub

Click on the OSCA 2027 Update Questionnaire link near the bottom of the page:

1. Complete questions 1 to 7

2. Copy and paste the suggested wording below. You do not need to answer every question, but we recommend responding to:

Q8 – Issues with current classification
Q9a – Proposal for new or revised occupation

3. The following questions are optional:

Q9b – Workforce size and demand: simply describe what you are seeing in your own work and future demand. You do not need statistics. Short answers are fine.

Q9c – Placement within OSCA structure – skip unless you feel confident
Q9d – Similar occupations

1. Edit to reflect your own experience (optional)
2. Submit

Deadline for submissions: Friday 24 April 2026, 11.59pm (AEST)

Below are suggested responses based on the type of Pilates you deliver. Choose the one that best reflects your work. You may edit the wording as needed.

Individual submissions help demonstrate workforce support.

Thank you for your support in this important initiative.

Choose ONE base option, then optionally add any additional lines that apply.

Base option 1: Comprehensive Pilates Instructor: most likely Pilates Practitioner Level 1 and Studio Instructor members

You assess clients, design individualised Pilates programs, and progress exercises over time. You may supervise multiple clients concurrently, each following their own program. This role typically requires comprehensive Pilates teacher training or Diploma-level education.

Base Option 1 Suggested Answers

Base option 2: Therapeutic Pilates Practitioner: most likely Pilates Practitioner Level 2 and above
You regularly work with clients with injury, chronic conditions, co-morbidities, or functional limitations. You develop assessment-informed programs and adapt exercises for higher complexity presentations. This typically involves substantial experience and ongoing professional development.

Base Option 2 Suggested Answers

Optional add-on 1: If you deliver condition-specific classes
These classes involve screening participants, identifying contraindications, and providing individual modifications. This type of delivery requires comprehensive Pilates training rather than short-course fitness instruction.

Optional add-on 2: If you are a studio owner or employer
I employ or supervise Pilates instructors delivering individualised and condition-specific Pilates services.

Optional Add-On Suggested Answers

Many thanks to:

• Susie Bond, Dr. Penelope Latey, Natalie Murray, Lisa Jackson and Alison Anlezark for their assistance in preparing the PAA submission
• to members supporting our submission
• all those who completed the survey