New jobs list recognises the importance of the arts

THE AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics updated its list of occupations in Australia and New Zealand, including some creative occupations for the first time.

The first edition of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia was published on December 6.

Theatre Network Australia made submissions to the Round 3 and Round 4 consultations for the new list, advocating for changes to reflect the modern performing arts workforce.

“We are very pleased to see many of our recommendations, made alongside colleagues from Creative Australia, Screen Australia, Live Performance Australia, and others, have been taken up,” a statement from the organisation said.

Julian Louis, the artistic director of the theatre company Norpa said including the sector on the list was a step toward recognising the importance of the arts in the community.

“It acknowledges our workforce, and including this sector and this industry is a really important step,” Louis said.

“It legitimises the huge impact the arts has on the fabric of life and the vibrancy it brings to the community.

“It’s not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential.”

Louis highlighted Norpa’s current campaign to buy a building in Lismore’s CBD, and the impact it has on a community still recovering from the 2022 flood.

“We are working hard to buy a building to become a cultural hub. It’s an important step in the recovery. We know we play that role,” Louis said.

The classification, which replaces ANZSCO, is a standardised framework for storing, organising and reporting occupation-related information.

Inclusion on the list helps inform Australia’s decision-making based on the labour market.

New jobs added to the list include circus performer or trainer, audio or live performance director, production manager, performance designer, live performance producer, and production coordinator.