Australia to drop ANZSCO and adopt OSCA starting 6 December 2024

Australia to drop ANZSCO and adopt OSCA starting 6 December 2024

October 16, 2024 by immigrationhotspot in Australia Immigration News, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy, Skilled Migration News

In a recent announcement, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand revealed that both countries will introduce their own customized occupational classifications, while still preserving key comparability. This move marks a shift from the joint management of occupational standards under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which has been in place since 2006.

The evolving nature of the labour markets in both nations has led to the decision to adopt more locally tailored classifications. Australian Statistician Dr. David Gruen and New Zealand Government Statistician Mr. Mark Sowden emphasized that the transition is a mutually agreed decision, and both agencies are committed to maintaining Trans-Tasman and global data comparability.

To ensure a seamless transition, concordances will be developed to map the classifications between the two countries, allowing for continuity in data analysis and comparison. Mr. Sowden highlighted that the new system in New Zealand would better reflect the current state of their labour market while still preserving important ties with Australia.

“While comparability with Australia remains essential, introducing a New Zealand-specific classification will offer the benefit of more accurately representing our evolving job market,” Mr. Sowden stated.

Dr. Gruen echoed these sentiments for Australia, explaining that while joint management had served both nations well in the past, the growing differences between the labour markets made separate classifications more beneficial. He stressed the importance of updating Australia’s occupational classification to better align with the contemporary workforce, while maintaining the ability to make Trans-Tasman comparisons.

For New Zealand, the changes will take effect on November 20, 2024, while Australia’s new classification, named the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) 2024, version 1.0, will be launched on December 6, 2024.

News Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)