ABIC Founding Co-Director and CEO Stefanie Milla reveals that the industry is currently standing unaware and exposed. Here’s what you you need to know.

We are at the cusp of significant changes driven by the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and it’s essential to recognise the impact these changes will have on our professions.

Since we launched The Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC), we have been on a mission to underscore the urgency of coming together, united to ensure our voices are heard and our interests are protected. Yet many in our industry still undervalue the need for a united peak body or let industry politics and unhealthy chatter get in the way of supporting their own best interests. 

The Industry Will Change

One of the current threats to our industry is the ABS review. It aims to modernise the classification system to better reflect the evolving nature of various professions, including those within the beauty and aesthetics sectors. 

This update is more than just an administrative adjustment; it has profound implications for the scope of practice, qualifications, and professional identities within our community.

The New Classifications are a Double-Edged Sword

Under the proposed changes, the current classification of a Beauty Therapist (451111) will be split, creating a narrower scope of practice for Beauty Therapists (451112) and introducing a new classification for Dermal Therapists (451113). 

While this distinction could elevate the professional standing of those specialising in advanced skin treatments and holding a Dermal Therapist or Dermal Clinician qualification, it also raises concerns about the potential restriction on Beauty Therapists’ ability to perform certain procedures they have been trained in.

For instance, the Dermal Therapist classification, positioned at a higher skill level (Skill Level 2), will focus on advanced skin treatments like microdermabrasion, cosmetic grade peels, and the use of laser and intense pulsed light devices. This could lead to increased professional recognition and potentially better remuneration for Dermal Therapists. However, it might also limit the scope of practice for Beauty Therapists, impacting their ability to serve clients comprehensively.

The Misclassification Issue

Another critical issue that needs urgent attention is the incorrect skill level currently assigned to Beauty Therapists. Presently, Beauty Therapists are classified at Skill Level 3, corresponding to a certificate qualification. 

However, to become a Beauty Therapist, you must complete either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, which should be at Skill Level 2. 

This misclassification undervalues the extensive training and expertise if Beauty Therapists , impacting their professional recognition and opportunities within the industry. Correcting this classification is essential to ensure that Beauty Therapists receive the respect and opportunities they deserve.

The Consequences of Disunity

Without a united front, our industry faces significant risks. The lack of cohesive representation leaves us exposed to over-regulation and heavy-handed government oversight. 

We’ve seen similar issues in the medical aesthetic sector, where fragmented representation led to stringent regulations that stifled practitioners, businesses and growth. 

If we fail to unify, the beauty sector will face similar consequences, with regulatory changes imposed without our input or best interests at heart.

The Role of ABIC

ABIC emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the need for a unified voice to represent the interests of beauty and aesthetic practitioners across Australia. Our mission is to protect our members, ensuring that their voices are heard in all regulatory discussions.

ABIC advocates for changes that accurately reflect the diverse expertise within our industry. While we support the elevation of standards and professional recognition, we are committed to ensuring that proposed changes do not marginalise certain professionals  or create undue barriers to practice. 

We strive for a regulatory framework that supports professional growth, enhances client safety, and reflects the reality of modern practice.

Let’s Call It and Address the Naysayers

We understand that some industry professionals may question the need to join ABIC. They may feel self-sufficient, unsure of what ABIC can offer them. Or they may be victims of being influenced by untrue industry gossip, which serves to undermine the altruistic efforts of the dedicated and hardworking ABIC team, who are working relentlessly and tirelessly for you. 

However, it’s crucial to recognise that without ABIC, our industry lacks united representation, leaving us vulnerable to regulatory changes that will not serve our best interests and will impact our careers, livelihoods and futures. 

ABIC’s role is not just about offering immediate hip-pocket benefits, but ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of our industry and your careers. 

We Are Calling You to Action

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for industry professionals to come together. The proposed changes by the ABS will shape the future of our industry, and it’s imperative that we have a strong, unified voice to advocate for the best possible outcomes. 

We call all beauty and dermal professionals to join ABIC, participate in discussions, join the ABIC Self-Regulatory Committee, and Education Committee to contribute to shaping your future.

By joining ABIC, you become part of a collective effort to ensure that the beauty and aesthetic industry continues to grow, innovate, and thrive. 

Together, we can navigate this period of turmoil with resilience and determination, ensuring that our industry remains robust and vibrant.

The ABS review represents a pivotal moment for our industry. 

It underscores the need for a united, proactive approach to ensure that the changes empower rather than limit us. 

The Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council remains dedicated to representing our industry’s interests, advocating for fair and informed changes that support the continued growth and success of all beauty and dermal professionals.

Let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen our collective voice. 

Join ABIC, and choose to participate in either the Self-Regulatory, or Education Committees, so that together we can shape a future where our industry, careers and businesses thrive in the face of adversity.

To JOIN ABIC Click HERE 
Sign up for the ABIC Self-Regulation Committee Click HERE
Sign up for the ABIC Education Committee Click HERE

This article was supplied by ABIC.

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