Pedorthists Recognised in OSCA

Pedorthists have been formally recognised as an occupation in the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia. This marks another important step in the recognition of the profession in Australia.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has announced the publication of the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), marking the first major update to Australia‘s occupation classification system in 20 years. This milestone reflects the evolving nature of occupations and their critical roles in the workforce.
The Pedorthic Association of Australia is thrilled to share that pedorthists have been formally recognised as an occupation in the updated OSCA. This significant development underscores the expertise and professionalism of pedorthists, say the PAA. Pedorthrthists are now classified within Occupation Group “Allied Health Physical and Sensory Therapy Professionals not elsewhere classified (nec)” on Skill Level 1 (requiring a Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience).
Pedorthists can now be searched in OSCA via the ABS website, offering a clear and accessible pathway to official information. “This recognition is the result of the PAA‘s steadfast advocacy and determination, ensuring that the vital contributions of pedorthists to health, mobility and well-being are formally acknowledged in Australia’s national standards”, says the PAA. “This updated classification will influence official labour market statistics starting in September 2026 and will also feature in outputs from the 2026 Census data. Importantly, the ABS has committed to ongoing updates and welcomes feedback to ensure OSCA continues to reflect the dynamic nature of Australia’s workforce.”