WSAA in its July 2022 joint submission (with WIOA, Qld Water Directorate and NSW Water Directorate) to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) , argued that the water industry was significantly undercounted in Census data due to the lack of water-specific occupational codes recognised by the ABS.
Poor accounting of the occupations within the water sector adversely affects:
- The national assessment and representation of training needs, which help ensure effective funding for staff training and development
- Appropriate course development to meet sector needs; and
- Understanding on levels of employment, particularly employment shortfalls and immigration visa requirements that would assist in delivering programs to attract and retain talent.
At the time of WSAA’s submission, there were only two Occupation Codes specifically allocated to the water industry- Hydrographer and Waste Water or Water Plant Operator.
The submission argued that water sector had several other critical and unique job roles in both Australia and New Zealand which were not currently identified in the Occupation Codes. Pleasingly, WSAA has learned that the following specialisations will now be added: Trade Waste Officer, Dam or Reservoir Operator and Water or Wastewater Networks Operator.
WSAA looks forward to further advocacy and collaboration recognising that the ANZSCO codes are highly valued by our industry and require regular review to reflect our rapidly changing labour market
Contact Peter Gee for more information peter.gee@wsaa.asn.au
14 Oct 2023
