2026 Census | Tuesday 11 August 2026
The 2026 Census is an important opportunity for ATMS members to help build a clearer picture of Australia’s natural medicine and complementary health workforce.
Occupation information from the 2026 Census will be coded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) using the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA 2024). OSCA replaced ANZSCO in Australia and provides a more contemporary classification of the Australian workforce.
When you complete the Census, clearly state your occupation and accurately describe the main work you perform.
Why this matters
Census occupation data contributes to the evidence used to understand Australia’s workforce. For ATMS and the professions we represent, better data can support:
- A clearer understanding of workforce size and distribution
• Education, training and workforce planning
• Greater visibility of natural medicine and complementary health professions
• Evidence based engagement with government and other stakeholders
• Future advocacy for professions that are not yet separately identified in OSCA
Every practitioner who clearly identifies their occupation and accurately describes the work they perform contributes to better workforce data.
What members need to do
You will not be asked to enter an OSCA code into the Census. The ABS uses your occupation title and the information you provide about your main tasks to code your job to an OSCA occupation.
When completing the occupation questions:
- Use the occupation title that most accurately describes your main job.
• Where your profession has a recognised OSCA title, use clear and consistent terminology.
• Describe your main tasks accurately when asked.
• If you practise more than one modality, answer according to your main job and the work you actually perform.
ATMS Modalities and OSCA 2024
The following table is a reference guide. It shows the relevant OSCA occupation where the ABS identifies the occupation or specialisation. ATMS has not assigned an official code where OSCA does not specifically identify the modality.
Acupuncture
269931 | Acupuncturist
Aromatherapy
461935 | Natural Remedy Consultant – Aromatherapist
Ayurvedic Medicine
No specifically identified OSCA occupation
Bowen Therapy
No specifically identified OSCA occupation
Chinese Herbal Medicine
269932 | Chinese Medicine Practitioner – Chinese Herbalist
Chinese Massage
441233 | Remedial Massage Therapist – Chinese Massage Therapist (Tui Na)
Counselling
261131 | Counsellor (General)
Chiropractic
262131 | Chiropractor
Herbal Medicine
269999 | Health Professionals nec – Herbalist (Western)
Homeopathy
269999 | Health Professionals nec – Homeopath
Hypnotherapy
261999 | Allied Health Counselling, Psychology, Social Work and Creative Therapy Professionals nec – Hypnotherapist
Kinesiology
461935 | Natural Remedy Consultant – Kinesiologist
Myotherapy
441232 | Myotherapist
Naturopathy
269933 | Naturopath
Nutrition
263232 | Nutritionist
Osteopathy
262932 | Osteopath
Pilates
462231 | Pilates Instructor
Reflexology
461935 | Natural Remedy Consultant – Reflexologist
Massage Therapy
441231 | Massage Therapist
Remedial Massage
441233 | Remedial Massage Therapist
Shiatsu
441231 | Massage Therapist – Shiatsu Therapist
Thai Massage
441231 | Massage Therapist – Thai Massage Therapist
Yoga Therapy
462232 | Yoga Teacher*
*OSCA identifies 462232 Yoga Teacher. Yoga Therapist is not separately identified, so this is the closest listed occupation rather than an exact title match.
Where OSCA does not yet recognise a profession
Ayurvedic Medicine and Bowen Therapy are not specifically identified as occupations or specialisations in OSCA 2024. ATMS therefore does not recommend presenting an inferred six digit code as an ABS endorsed classification for these professions.
This does not make these professions any less important. Instead, it highlights why accurate workforce information matters.
The ABS is currently developing OSCA 2027, including consideration of new and emerging occupations. Strong evidence about workforce size, education pathways, scope of practice and the work practitioners perform can support future professional advocacy.
Ayurvedic Medicine is particularly noteworthy because Australia has a nationally recognised VET qualification in Ayurveda, yet Ayurvedic practitioners are not currently represented as a distinct occupation within OSCA.
This presents a potential opportunity for ATMS and the broader profession to engage with the ABS regarding future occupational recognition.
Make your profession visible
The ABS has confirmed that occupation data from the 2026 Census will be released in October 2027 and coded to OSCA 2024.
For ATMS, this will provide an important new source of information about the professions we represent and help strengthen the evidence available for future workforce planning and advocacy.
Every practitioner counts. Every profession counts.
Make your profession count in the 2026 Census.
