The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is calling on industry experts to help shape the future of occupational classifications.
​In 2023, ABS launched three rounds of public consultations to gather feedback for refining the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The ANZSCO is an occupational classification system that provides a crucial standardised framework to inform government policy, industry planning, and educational programs. FutureNow collected stakeholder input on suggested changes to ANZSCO codes in the creative and leisure industries in 2023 and provided findings to the ABS.
We are now sharing the preliminary proposed changes for each consultation round. Detailed documents outlining these changes are available below in PDF format.
The fourth and final consultation round runs from July 25 to September 6, 2024. This is the last chance to provide advice on the proposed updates to the classification structure before its final release in December 2024. While all feedback will be reviewed, this round of consultation will have a primary focus on the classification’s structure and useability. Feedback that is not able to be addressed in the final round of consultation will be considered as part of the maintenance strategy commencing in 2025.
​The new structure aims to reorganise or consolidate existing occupation groups, create new groups for emerging occupations, and adapt to better reflect the relationships between occupations.

Minister for Education Dr. Tony Buti has announced a Regional Education Strategy (Strategy), to bring together existing investments in regional, rural and remote education. The Strategy is intended to provide a framework to guide more effective delivery of education, focusing on improved educational and wellbeing opportunities. Targeted consultation is underway to ensure the Strategy meets the needs of students, families and communities in regional areas.
More information about the consultation process, along with the Minister's statement of intent, can be found on the Department of Education website

WA Nationals and Opposition leader Shane Love has announced a new election commitment to "revolutionise retail trading in the Perth CBD, allowing stores to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a bid to revitalise and reenergise WA’s retail sector." Trading hours across the metropolitan region would also be deregulated under the plan, with local governments determining the retail trading hours within their precincts. 

Australian Retailers' Association CEO Paul Zahra has called on the Labor government and Liberal opposition to support the proposal. The measure has some industry support however concerns persist among small retailers which identify a risk of being crowded out by large retailers. Additional concerns remain around penalty rates, working conditions, and staff attraction and retention, particularly for smaller retailers. 

The Nationals WA media statement may be accessed here
Learn more at Inside Retail here

The Waalitj Foundation Wangening Bardip is showcasing 11 independent First Nations artists to share their healing stories through their artwork at Central Park Tower Perth until 19th July 2024, as part of national NAIDOC Week celebrations. Each piece of art tells a story deeply rooted in the First Nations Peoples’ philosophy of life and connection to the land. NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. Over 50 events are underway around the state, including film screenings, craft events, bush food and medicine demonstrations and tours.

Visit the NAIDOC organisation website to explore events in your area

The 33rd National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Conference ‘No Frills’ officially launches today in Perth, Western Australia. Across the next three days, VET stakeholders from across Australia and overseas will gather to explore this year’s conference theme: VET partnerships powering a dynamic workforce.
The comprehensive ‘No Frills’ 2024 conference program includes a ministerial address, two keynote presentations, 30 concurrent presentations, two discussion panels, 4 pre-conference professional development workshops and ample networking opportunities.
Last week NCVER released the conference discussion paper, which focuses on Australia’s workforce demands and the importance of equipping the workforce with necessary skills through targeted education, training and partnerships.

The VET partnerships powering a dynamic workforce paper may be accessed here

The Australian Parliament today passed legislation increasing the national Location Offset to 30%, a move championed by industry representatives as positioning the country competitively to attract production and work to our shores. Ausfilm called the legislation a "huge win for the Australian screen industry and broader Australian economy... bringing millions of dollars of direct foreign investment into local businesses, delivering sustainable careers, creative innovation, skills and training, and complementing existing funding for Australian projects.

The increased rebate will apply to projects that commence production after 1 July, 2023. Minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure thresholds have been increased from A$15 million, and A$1 million per hour for television series, to A$20 million, and A$1.5 million per hour for television series.
New eligibility requirements will be introduced. Productions must:

• Meet minimum training obligations or contribute to the broader workforce and infrastructure capacity of the sector.
• Engage one or more Australian providers to deliver post, digital and visual effects for the production.
• Provide new reporting to capture data including employment of Australian crew and use of Australian businesses.

The welcome news comes as the WA screen community comes together to enjoy the Revelation Perth International Film Festival- on until Sunday 14th July.

Learn more about production incentives in Australia at Ausfilm.com

A new 'assault retail workers' offence has come into effect in WA, seeing individuals who attack staff in the course of their duties face up to seven years in prison, or three years and a fine of $36,000. The higher penalties for repeat and violent offenders are intended to provide additional deterrence for those who look to intimidate, hurt or exploit retailers and those working in the sector.
Last year, a national survey by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) of its members, which attracted 4,600 responses, revealed reports of physical violence increased by 56 per cent when compared to two years prior.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services the Hon. Paul Papalia said "Just like other Western Australians, retail workers have every right to feel safe in their workplace. These tougher penalties send a strong message that violent behaviour towards staff simply doing their job won't be tolerated."

​FutureNow assumed coverage for the Retail sector on July 1st, 2024.