Major Industry Milestone: Drycleaners Recognised as Skill Level 4
Watch the full announcement video here:
The Drycleaning Institute of Australia is proud to share a significant industry development: the Australian Bureau of Statistics Quality Assurance Panel has endorsed DIA’S proposal to reclassify the occupation of Drycleaner from Skill Level 5 to Skill Level 4.
This is more than just a classification shift – it formally recognises drycleaners as skilled professionals and positions our industry within the national workforce and education strategy.
While the change will officially apply once the ABS releases a draft for public consultation in mid-2026, the endorsement today represents the turning point we’ve been pushing for.
What This Means for the Future
This milestone opens doors for drycleaners to gain access to:
- The Australian Apprenticeship Priority List
- National workforce planning and skill development frameworks
- Future federal and state policy participation
Drycleaning now stands in a space of professional recognition, not operational simplicity, transforming the way our industry is perceived, supported, and funded. It’s all part of DIA’s mission.
Made Possible by DIA Members and Industry Participation
Behind this achievement were:
- 18 months of structured advocacy
- Over 80 hours of data analysis
- Industry surveys and direct input from drycleaners nationwide
This was a community-driven effort. Member support was crucial, and it demonstrates exactly what DIA membership enables: real policy impact.
Thank you so much to our members for everything your support has enabled us to do – we put in the work, but we wouldn’t be anywhere without
the community behind us.
The Work Continues
There are over 850 drycleaning businesses across Australia – and only a portion are current DIA members. As we enter into this next chapter of industry recognition and strategic opportunity, your voice and involvement becomes even more powerful.
Together, we are shaping the future of drycleaning in Australia. If you haven’t yet, join us today to be part of an inclusive, supportive community that's dedicated to making real change.