The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) should recognise the skills of Australia’s truck drivers by going ahead with changes to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

The ABS is reviewing the classification.

ANZSCO has five skill levels, ranging from skill level 1 (tertiary qualifications) to skill level 5 (compulsory secondary education).

Currently, ANZSCO classifies truck driving as skill level 4, equivalent to a Certificate II or III, or a year of experience.

The ABS has proposed adding a new occupation, articulated truck driver, which would be classified at skill level 3, equivalent to a Certificate III with a least two years of on the job training.

The skill level of tanker drivers would also be recognised in the classification as level 3.

This ATA submission strongly supports the ABS proposals.