Why Drycleaning Needs A Seat At The Policy Table

The Occupational Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) guides federal and state government decisions on education, migration, and workforce strategy. It ranks jobs from level 1 to 5 – with level 1 including jobs like doctors and lawyers, and level 5 including kitchen hands and trolley collectors.  

However, since 2002 when these classifications were first introduced, drycleaning was allocated a skill level 5. This has excluded our industry from key policy discussions and opportunities for the growth it deserves.  

So, the DIA did what we do best: stepped up and did something about it.  
 

DIA Pushes for Recognition in Australia  

Early last year, we got to work completing a case to re-classify drycleaning from a skill level 5 to a skill level 4 or even 3. While the road hasn’t been easy, we’ve put in the work of bringing drycleaners across the country together to make our case.  

Hear what the CEO of the DIA has to say regarding this journey to re-classification, why it matters, and the latest update: 

 This milestone is about more than just numbers. Recognition at the right skill level ensures drycleaners are represented in education, migration, and workforce policy decisions – an important step for the future of our industry.  

Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey to help. Your support made this possible, and we’ll keep you updated as the journey progresses.  

And don't worry. As Catherine said: we already have a plan B ready if needed!