Speech Pathology Australia welcomes the release of the updated Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), formerly known as ANZSCO. Speech pathology now has its own unit code: 2626 and occupation code: 262631 Speech Pathologist.
We know that addressing workforce shortages is a top priority for our members, and this achievement marks a major step forward in tackling those challenges. The previous grouping of speech pathology and audiology under a shared unit code (Level 2527) caused confusion and created barriers to migration for overseas-qualified practitioners due to shared criteria. It also hindered the collection of accurate workforce data, making it harder to project demand and plan effective strategies to address workforce gaps.
By securing a unique unit code for speech pathology, workforce planning can now reflect the specific needs of the profession. Workforce data in several key national datasets relies on these unique codes to classify professions. The separation of speech pathology into its own unit code ensures that workforce data accurately represents the profession. This supports more precise projections of workforce demand and enables the development of targeted strategies to strengthen the speech pathology workforce across metropolitan, rural, and remote areas. The unique code will also provide clarity within migration pathways for overseas-qualified speech pathologists, helping to address critical shortages and support service delivery where it’s needed most.
This success follows our advocacy and joint submission with Audiology Australia in August 2023, where both associations called for separate codes to reflect the distinct nature of each profession. Speech Pathology Australia is proud to have achieved this milestone, which recognises the profession and supports the sustainability and growth of the speech pathology workforce in Australia.