On 6th December 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) officially released the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) version 1.0. This new classification replaces the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), introducing tailored updates to better reflect Australia’s evolving labour market.
The Evolution of Occupational Classifications in Australia
ANZSCO, first introduced in 2006, has been the foundation of occupational classification in Australia and New Zealand. However, the ABS and Stats NZ ended their joint management of it in October 2024. Both countries have now implemented separate systems: Australia with OSCA and New Zealand with the National Occupation List (NOL).
While ANZSCO underwent minor revisions over the years, it remained largely rooted in its original 2006 framework.
The journey from ANZSCO to OSCA highlights Australia’s commitment to staying ahead of labour market trends.
Here’s a timeline of major developments:
| Classification | Year of Publication | Summary of Revision |
| ANZSCO First Edition | 2006 | ANZSCO First Edition was jointly established by the ABS, Stats NZ, and the Australian Government, classifying occupations based on skill level and specialisation. |
| ANZSCO First Edition, Revision 1 | 2009 | Minor updates to the occupation structure and definitional changes for some occupations. |
| ANZSCO Version 1.2 | 2013 | Identified emerging occupations, aggregated declining ones, and updated titles, specialisations, and unit groups. |
| ANZSCO Version 1.3 | 2019 | Revised skill levels, licensing requirements, and example occupations for specific categories. |
| ANZSCO 2021 Australian Update | 2021 | Reviewed emerging occupations related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, cyber security, and naval shipbuilding. |
| ANZSCO 2022 Australian Update | 2022 | Focused on emerging occupations and construction-related trades. |
| OSCA 2024 v1.0 | 2024 | Introduced a new classification tailored to the Australian labour market, reflecting a comprehensive review of ANZSCO. |
What’s New in OSCA v1.0?
OSCA was developed after a two-year review involving over 2,000 stakeholders, 800 submissions, and 1,000 reviewed occupations.
OSCA v1.0 offers a more granular and updated classification compared to ANZSCO:
- 300 new occupations added, while 250 outdated ones were removed
- 421 Unit Groups (compared to 364 in ANZSCO 2022)
- 1,156 occupations (compared to 1,076 in ANZSCO 2022
Task-Level Classification
One notable difference is the shift from task descriptions at the Unit Group level (4-digit code) in ANZSCO to the occupation level (6-digit code) in OSCA. This provides a more detailed understanding of occupational responsibilities.
For example, see the task description below under OSCA:
Generative AI played a key role in creating preliminary task descriptions, saving an estimated 1,500 analyst hours while human review ensured quality and accuracy.
Gender-Inclusive and Indigenous Representation
- Removal of gendered language in classifications
- Enhanced coverage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupations
Key Benefits of OSCA v1.0
The introduction of OSCA v1.0 brings several advantages over its predecessor, ANZSCO, by addressing the evolving demands of Australia’s labour market. Below are some of these benefits:
- Relevance: OSCA addresses gaps in ANZSCO by incorporating emerging occupations, such as 231133: Content Creator (Social Media) and aligning with modern labour market needs.
- Clarity: The classification simplifies understanding by providing more detailed occupation-specific information.
- Flexibility: OSCA ensures better adaptability to ongoing changes in Australia’s workforce.
The Role of OSCA in Skilled Migration
With the introduction of OSCA, Australia has a powerful tool to modernise its skilled migration framework. However, challenges may arise in adapting existing systems to integrate OSCA seamlessly.
The dual-catalogue era may persist temporarily, where ANZSCO still applies to certain visa programs. However, the long-term goal of transitioning fully to OSCA promises a clearer and more efficient system for migrants, policymakers, and employers.
OSCA in Anzscosearch
Anzscosearch has been updated to include the newly released OSCA v1.0 catalogue for consultation in our main search tool. While this addition provides valuable insights into the updated classification, it is important to note that the Department of Home Affairs has not yet adopted OSCA for migration purposes. This update ensures users can stay informed about the latest developments while continuing to rely on ANZSCO for current migration-related processes.
