As a valued stakeholder of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) we want to share that a new round of consultation, as part of the OSCA Maintenance Strategy, is scheduled to be held early next year, with an opening date set for 11 March 2026.
This is an opportunity for you to make a significant impact by providing feedback on occupations within the classification, helping to shape the quality of Australia’s future occupation and labour market information.
We are particularly interested in improving the descriptions of existing occupations and identifying occupations not currently listed within the classification that are relevant within the Australian labour force.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Consultation for the 2027 update will open on the ABS Consultation Hub on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
- The consultation will be open for a 4-week window until Friday 10 April 2026.
- We are considering changes at the occupation level within the classification. Suggestions for structural changes to the classification are welcome but will not be implemented until the 2030 structure update.
- How to participate: we have designed a straightforward and user-friendly process to gather your insights. A submission guide will be available on the ABS Consultation Hub from 11 March 2026, outlining the steps to participate and provide feedback.
OSCA 2027 Provisional Updates
- The ABS has been busy reviewing and evaluating proposed updates that were identified too late to be included in OSCA 2024.
- To keep stakeholders informed we have produced a file showing the first set of changes which are planned to be included in OSCA 2027.
- These provisional changes are now available as an Excel download on the OSCA 2027 page.
Hot off the press
- The ABS is in the early stages of a statistical transformation program called Advancing Economic Statistics (AES). Over several years, the ABS plans to implement recently updated international economic standards into ABS statistical infrastructure and our suite of economic statistics.
- As part of this program, the ABS is planning to develop a new Industry Classification, and this may be of interest to you. We recognise that there have been key changes in the Australian economy since the existing Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC 2006) was last reviewed.
- Stay tuned for further information on the development plans for the new Industry Classification, including consultation.
For more information on OSCA and the maintenance strategy visit the OSCA Maintenance Strategy or contact occupation@abs.gov.au.
Occupation Standards and Classification Team
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Comments are closed.