The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ framework for defining and categorising jobs across the national workforce. It shapes how occupations are captured in official data and directly informs government policy, workforce planning, education and training design, migration settings, and procurement frameworks.
The current OSCA review presents a timely opportunity. Emerging and evolving professions can be more accurately recognised. For AABR, this is critical.
Contributing to the review helps ensure that bush regeneration and ecological restoration are recognised as skilled professions. Not just land management. Skilled practice. Grounded in ecological knowledge. Aligned with the National Restoration Standards, where restoration is defined as assisting the recovery of ecosystems towards a reference state .
Better classification means better visibility in national data. It supports alignment with training pathways and accreditation. It strengthens the case for appropriate resourcing, standards and policy settings. All essential to protecting and restoring Australia’s ecosystems.
Defining roles in ecological restoration
AABR’s Industry Working Group has developed a proposed structure to better reflect roles across the ecological restoration and management sector. These are broad groupings. Not exhaustive. But they help show the progression of skills, responsibility and decision-making.
The challenge? The ABS framework is rigid. Statistical systems often are. So these levels need to fit within existing structures.
The proposed role levels are:
Entry-level Assistant or Trainee
Works under supervision. Focus on foundational skills and site-based tasks.
Typically aligned with Certificate II.
Skilled Practitioner
Leads small crews. Applies sound ecological judgement on site. Delivers works to required quality, safety and environmental standards.
This level reflects core bush regeneration practice. Often aligned with Certificate III–IV.
Project Manager or Coordinator
Manages projects end-to-end. Prepares quotes, oversees budgets, coordinates teams and ensures outcomes align with ecological and contractual requirements.
Typically aligned with Certificate IV, Diploma or Degree.
Contract or Business Manager
Leads organisational strategy. Oversees contracts, finances, marketing, HR and large teams. Responsible for long-term delivery and business performance.
The gap we need to fix
These levels are what AABR is proposing to insert into the OSCA framework. Not simple work. But progress is underway.
The key issue is clear. The current structure does not recognise the Skilled Practitioner level at all.
A “Bush Regenerator” occupation was added in 2024. A step forward. But it sits at the Labourer level and largely reflects an assistant role. It does not capture the depth of knowledge, decision-making and responsibility required to deliver ecological restoration outcomes consistent with best practice.
That gap matters. Because without recognition, the profession is undervalued. In policy. In funding. In training design.
Building the case
AABR’s submission is grounded in sector evidence. The Industry Working Group reviewed advertised bush regeneration roles. The first two levels showed strong consistency across the industry.
This structure has also been supported by sector leaders, including Agata Mitchell from TAFE NSW, reinforcing that these categories reflect real-world practice.
Of course, there are roles in between. Always are. But this framework captures the core progression within the constraints of the ABS system.
Why this matters
This work is about more than classification.
It is about recognising skill.
Clarifying career pathways.
Supporting a workforce capable of delivering ecological recovery.
And ensuring that the people restoring ecosystems are seen, valued and supported to do the job well.
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