2026 Census
On Tuesday 11 August 2026, Australia will participate in the 2026 Census.
Conducted every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Census collects information about Australia's people, households, education and occupations. The data helps governments, businesses and community organisations plan services, infrastructure, healthcare, education and future investment.
Why this Census matters
The 2026 Census is particularly important for the massage therapy, remedial massage therapy and myotherapy profession.
Following extensive evidence-based submissions from Massage & Myotherapy Australia during 2024 and 2025, the Australian Bureau of Statistics updated the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), formerly known as ANZSCO.
For the first time, the profession is recognised through three distinct occupations within Unit Group 4412 – Massage Therapists and Myotherapists:
- Massage Therapist (OSCA Code 441231)
- Myotherapist (OSCA Code 441232)
- Remedial Massage Therapist (OSCA Code 441233)
This recognises the different qualifications, education and scope of practice across the profession and replaces the previous single occupation classification.
The occupation you select in the Census contributes to workforce data used by governments and other organisations to better understand Australia's health workforce. This information helps inform workforce planning, education, policy development, migration, funding and professional recognition.
Every practitioner who selects the correct occupation helps create a more accurate picture of Australia's qualified massage therapy, remedial massage therapy and myotherapy workforce.
What should I select?
When completing the Census, or any government or organisational form that asks for your occupation, choose the occupation that best reflects your qualifications, scope of practice and the work you perform most of the time:
- Massage Therapist
- Remedial Massage Therapist
- Myotherapist
If your qualification has a different title, select the occupation that most closely aligns with your highest relevant qualification and current scope of practice. If you hold more than one qualification, choose the occupation that best reflects your primary professional role.
If you are qualified as a Remedial Massage Therapist or Myotherapist, avoid selecting 'Massage Therapist' simply because it is more familiar. Selecting the occupation that accurately reflects your qualifications and professional practice helps ensure the profession is represented correctly.
Every response matters
Every Census response contributes to the evidence used to understand and support Australia's health workforce.
By selecting the correct occupation, practitioners help strengthen the data that supports ongoing advocacy for greater recognition of qualified massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists, ensuring the profession is accurately represented now and into the future.