The first round of consultation is now open for the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) comprehensive review into how Australian occupations are classified, and how it can better reflect the current Australian labour market.
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is nearly twenty years old, with it being last updated before many of the jobs that we now take for granted were even imagined. Until recently, the official classification of Australian occupations didn't even include the role of data scientist or data analyst.
Christopher Hinchcliffe, ABS spokesperson for the ANZSCO review, said it will inform educational pathways, skilled migration programs and workforce strategies that equip Australians with skills to get jobs and stay employed.
"We're now welcoming submissions and want to hear from people who are involved in a number of industry-based focus areas within our first round of consultation. These include computer system design, welfare and social assistance, education and training, aged care and disability services, management and related consulting services, and childcare services."
Mr Hinchcliffe also encouraged people involved in administrative services, market research and advertising, financial and insurance services, scientific research, accounting, statistical services and, library and other information services to give their feedback on the ANZSCO review.
"If you are involved in any of these focus areas, or work in a related field, we want to hear from you," Mr Hinchcliffe said.
Submissions can be made via the ABS Consultation Hub online.
Submissions for this round of consultation close on 28 April 2023. Occupations related to other focus areas will be explored in later consultation rounds. The second of four rounds of consultation starts in June 2023.
After consulting with the community and key stakeholders throughout 2023 and 2024, the ABS expects to finalise the review and release the updated classification in time for the 2026 Census.
This work is funded through $23.7m of new investment announced in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.
