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Labour market analysts have indicated a particularly strong need to adopt a balanced approach to the occupation classification revisions to ensure that occupation statistics are contemporary but also comparable over time.

The ABS will phase in the updated occupation classification across its major statistical collections, including: 

• Census: The ABS plans to release Census data via the suite of Census Products coded to both the latest and previous structure updates. This plan provides stakeholders with the data they need to make comparisons between points in time current or previous versions of OSCA. 

• Labour Force, Australia: The ABS will code Labour Force statistics using OSCA 2024 from August 2026, in line with its implementation with the 2026 Census, dependent on available resourcing. Labour Force estimates will be backcast every 5 years if required to maintain time series continuity. 

• Other ABS collections, including Employee Earnings and Hours and Jobs in Australia: Implementation in other collections will be done as soon as practicable, subject to relevance, feasibility and resource availability. 

The occupation standard shows how the ABS collects, processes and presents occupation statistics, including the preferred standard question wording. It provides a basis for the standard collection and dissemination of occupation data. 

For more information on how the ABS collects occupation statistics, refer to the Occupation Standard.

The ABS consulted on the definition of skill in the ANZSCO classification in 2022. The consultation explored whether the current representation of skills aligned with stakeholder expectations and accurately reflected the labour market demands at the time.

The outcome of that consultation and the changes to the concept of skill in the classification were described in the Position on skills in ANZSCO.