ABIC’s Stef Milla tells us why we’re on the precipice of change.

The beauty and dermal sectors are hot on the heels of aesthetics, with sweeping shifts now headed for these areas of practice over the next five years. The foundational groundwork will be set in stone by September 6th with the monumental ANZSCO Occupations Review.

Let’s Unpack the Situation

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is undergoing a review of ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations), and the last time they did this was 20 years ago! In simple terms, you now have the chance to voice your opinion and provide essential feedback on what your job title should be and the responsibilities it should include.

Nailing this is crucial. Once your new occupations and descriptions are finalised, educational reforms will follow suit, aligning with the updated job descriptions. In other words, our qualifications and the content of our learning will evolve to match the new standards set by these descriptions.

The Australian government has funded the setup of SACSA (Service & Creative Skills Australia), which partners closely with ABIC to completely overhaul our VET education system and modernise the training we provide to our students. ABIC has been intricately involved with SACSA throughout every phase of the submission process with the ABS, and we are now approaching the final stages.

The ABS has made certain changes; however, more are needed. As the changes stand right now, Beautician and Beauty Therapist share the same title and are both classified as having a Skill Level 3 —equivalent to a certificate, not a diploma.

The job description provided potentially limits their scope of practice and may influence the skin treatments they are allowed to provide, such as working with skin needling, microdermabrasion, and IPL. The introduction of the Dermal Therapist occupation and title has been incorporated. It does provide an outline of the dermal treatments they are qualified to perform.

If we agree to the current proposed titles and job descriptions, we could see the introduction of regulations that enforce legislation based on the outlined skills.

Setting the Record Straight

Some have mistakenly commented that the ANZSCO review started in 2021 for our industry. However, the initial review specifically targeted the Health and Social Assistance sectors, aiming to ensure that the classifications reflected current job roles and practices in these fields. The review expanded its scope in 2023 to include personal services, and a detailed submission was put forward by ABIC in partnership with SACSA during all phases relevant to our industry to outline our industry titles and job descriptions.

This proposal was not entirely accepted; however, with your support, we have the opportunity to influence an update.

A Rising Wave of Support

We are recently seeing a new level of awareness and support for this issue. Interest was piqued at an ABIC Open Industry Meeting held last week ahead of Beauty Expo. The intensity surrounding the monumental issue was palpable at Expo, with panel discussions dedicated to the topic featuring the ABIC Council, alongside SACSA CEO Natalie Turmine, providing pivotal information about the review and its long term affects and consequences. 

As the deadline approaches, we urge you to have your say and ensure your voices are heard.

Participation is Simple

Head over to https://theabic.org.au/anzsco-occupation-review and find out about the details of the ANZSCO review, and register your feedback.

ABIC has proposed a revised draft of our job titles and descriptions. Let us know if you agree or disagree with these, or if you have alternate feedback.

The role of ABIC is to represent its members’ voices and opinions. We listen to the industry and encourage everyone to participate. However, it’s important to understand that, constitutionally, we support what our members vote for.

Governments respond to numbers—the more people organised behind a cause, the more they listen. So now is the time to join forces, join ABIC in supporting and representing our industry.

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