Taneesa Williamson Understanding the recent ANZCO announcements relating to Beauty Therapists and Dermal Therapists.
The beauty and aesthetics industry is undergoing significant reform, with changes to personal services classifications causing confusion and raising questions among professionals. These changes are poised to reshape how practitioners are categorised and regulated, impacting their scope of practice and professional trajectory.
The crux of the issue
At present, personal services are proposed to be classified into two tiers under the updated Occupational Skill Classification for Australia (OSCA):
1. Beauty Therapists (Skill Level 3)
- Qualifications: Certificate III, Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience.
- Scope: This classification excludes performing advanced treatments such as laser therapies, IPL, or chemical peels, even if a practitioner holds higher qualifications, such as an Advanced Beauty Therapy Diploma.
2. Dermal Therapists (Skill Level 2)
- Qualifications: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree, or at least three years of relevant experience.
- Scope: Includes advanced skin analysis, microdermabrasion, IPL, laser therapies, and chemical peels aimed at skin rejuvenation, age management, and pigmentation treatment.
The disparity lies in diploma-qualified Beauty Therapists being grouped under Skill Level 3 despite their ability to perform advanced treatments. This creates a grey area where these practitioners can continue offering advanced services for now. However, if the classifications are cemented, they may need to upskill to the Dermal Therapist level to maintain their scope of practice.
When will these changes take effect?
The timeline for implementing these classifications remains uncertain. Regulatory bodies could act swiftly or take years to solidify these changes.
For now, it’s critical to understand that the reforms are not yet in effect.
How to avoid losing out?
- Upskill now: Practitioners holding diploma or advanced diploma qualifications should consider pursuing further education to secure their ability to perform advanced treatments.
- Health Services Clarifications: Classifications for Dermal Therapists, Dermal Clinicians, and Cosmetic Nurses have been categorised correctly, ensuring their scope aligns with their qualifications and experience.
What’s next?
The Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC) plans to appeal these classifications in 2025, advocating for the introduction of a middle tier between Beauty Therapists and Dermal Therapists. This proposed tier aims to bridge the gap, ensuring fairness and clarity for professionals.
Why the industry needs unity
These classification updates highlight broader changes sweeping the industry, including:
- Education Reform: Ensuring qualifications align with industry demands.
- Regulation Reform: Creating a cohesive, national regulatory framework to replace disparate state-level governance.
- ANZSCO to OSCA Transition: Australia’s shift to OSCA ensures a localised approach but excludes New Zealand from the classification framework.
These reforms are foundational for establishing fairness, safety, and clarity across the sector, benefiting both practitioners and clients.
How you can prepare
- Stay informed: Keep updated on classification changes through trusted sources like ABIC (read more here).
- Collaborate: Engage with industry organisations and fellow professionals to share insights and strategies.
- Act early: Consider upskilling to future-proof your career and maintain compliance with upcoming regulations.
The journey from beauty to cosmetic is complex but necessary. By coming together as an industry, practitioners can navigate these changes effectively, ensuring a future that’s both equitable and professionally rewarding.
Do you think these changes are sufficient, or leave further questions and confusion?
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