Audiometrists finally have their own job classification recognised by the Australian Government and no longer must be categorised under medical technicians for taxation and other purposes.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) launched a new classification scheme, the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) in December 2024. OSCA replaces the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for use in Australia.
Under the new scheme, audiometry has its own OSCA code, and music therapists also now have their own classification.
The move has been welcomed by the audiometry industry as a first step to improve awareness of and report on potential job shortages in the field.
The Australian College of Audiology (ACAud) incorporating HAASA advocated for the move and helped contribute to the new classification, supported by the Australasian College of Audiometry (AuCA).
“AuCA supported ACAud in advocating for audiometrists to have their own classification,” AuCA director Mr Chedy Kalach told HPA.
“AuCA feels this is a big step to benefit the industry. Having its own classification will better enable Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and other government departments to report on potential jobs shortages which can then lead to various government programs and increased awareness.”
A recent HPA story revealed the average wages of hearing practitioners in Australia from Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data from the 2021-2022 financial year, the latest available.
There was no specific data for audiometrists however as they were included in the broader medical technicians’ category. Going forward they will now have their own category.
Assistant Minister for Employment, Dr Andrew Leigh, and Australian Statistician Dr David Gruen launched OSCA at ABS House on 6 December 2024.In New Zealand, the National Occupation List (NOL), was released by Stats NZ.
The ABS ANZSCO Review Team said ANZSCO comprehensive review consultations during 2023 and 2024 had led to a classification which better reflected the modern labour market.
Kalach also encouraged employers to do the jobs and skills shortage survey which is now open until March 2025 for employers and potential employers to report on their employment activity for 2024.
“The more feedback Jobs and Skills Australia receives the better the data,” he said.
More reading
ATO reveals average hearing practitioner incomes in Australia
Review of audiometry qualifications in Australia underway
