OSCA 2027 Update Consultation

Feedback updated 1 Jul 2026

We asked

Consultation on the 2027 Update of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) ran from 11 March to 24 April 2026. The consultation sought feedback on occupations within the classification that have evolved, changed or are not currently separately identified.

The 2027 Update aims to ensure that the classification stays up to date and continues to reflect the modern labour market.

You said

The ABS received 265 submissions from all levels of government, businesses, Jobs & Skills Councils, industry bodies/associations, unions, academics and individuals. In summary, the submissions received included requests for:

  • Emerging occupations that should be added to the classification in the 2027 update
  • Existing occupations that require updates or changes
  • Future emerging occupations that should be investigated as part of the planned 2029 Update of OSCA
  • Structural changes to the classification that will be considered as part of the planned 2030 Update of OSCA

Some stakeholders also provided feedback on the provisional changes for the 2027 Update which the ABS released in late 2025.

We did

The ABS has finished summarising and prioritising these submissions and is in the process of reviewing updates to the classification that will form a draft classification. The draft 2027 Update will be published on the ABS website on 17 August 2025.

The ABS thanks those who have taken the time to provide feedback during this round of consultation and recognises stakeholders who have continued to engage with the ABS throughout every consultation process.

Any questions? 

Please email occupation@abs.gov.au with any questions on this consultation or for further information.

Closed 24 Apr 2026

Opened 11 Mar 2026

Contact

occupation@abs.gov.au

Overview

Introduction

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is committed to maintaining the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) through targeted updates as specified in the OSCA Maintenance Strategy.

The ABS has already reviewed and evaluated proposed updates that were identified late in the comprehensive review and were unable to be included in OSCA 2024. These changes are planned to be included in OSCA 2027 and are available as an Excel download.

 

Help shape the future of occupation information

OSCA describes all occupations in the Australian labour market. Your feedback will help inform and reshape educational pathways, skilled migration programs and strategies that support our workforce to remain adaptable and equipped with the right skills.

We are particularly interested in understanding which occupations have evolved, changed or are not currently separately identified within the classification.

 

How to participate

For the OSCA 2027 update we are seeking feedback on:

  • Occupations already in OSCA that are not accurately described
  • Occupations that should be separately identified with a unique code in OSCA

The feedback guide (linked below under the Related section) outlines the steps to prepare your feedback and complete the survey.

This round of consultation will run from Wednesday 11 March until Friday 24 April 2026 (11:59pm).

 

Supporting documentation & attachments

Following survey completion, a feedback receipt will be sent to your nominated email account. Provision of any additional attachments to support your feedback can be emailed with the feedback receipt number to occupation@abs.gov.au. Please note there is a 5MB file limit.

Please note the ABS will be using AI tools to assist with the summarising and processing of submissions.

 

More information

For more information visit About OSCA or contact us at occupation@abs.gov.au.

What happens next

 

 

Audiences

  • Data users
  • General Public
  • Registered Users
  • Stakeholders

Interests

  • Labour Market