• 21st Nov 2024

Media release: Stats NZ recognises paramedics in major review of NOL

The Australasian College of Paramedicine (the College) applauds Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) for recognising the paramedicine profession in the revised National Occupation List (NOL). This important revision comes after the College strongly recommended that paramedicine be recognised in three distinct occupations to improve national data collection for the benefit of workforce utilisation and, ultimately, person-centred care.

"Up until this major reclassification project, paramedics were inaccurately listed which resulted in erroneous data collection and reporting of the profession. As the peak professional body advocating for paramedicine across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, we are pleased that through our efforts, the profession has been reclassified.

“Decision-makers rely heavily on accurate data to design health policy and implement system reforms, and this important revision will ensure governments and providers have relevant and accurate data they need to better utilise paramedics, for their capabilities, across health,” said John Bruning, College CEO.

The revised NOL appropriately lists three occupations for the profession: Paramedic, Extended Care Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic. It also recognises Patient Transfer Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians. As the profession continues to expand its areas of practice, the College will work with Stats NZ to review and update the NOL.

The College has been extensively involved with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) reclassification project in the past 18 months, collaborating with leaders of paramedicine to ensure a more accurate classification of the profession. In October this year, the data collection agencies, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Stats NZ, co-announced that each country would introduce their own tailored occupational statistical classifications.

“Throughout this process, the College has advocated with the respective data collection agencies to ensure the profession was appropriately recognised in each country, and we are pleased with the outcome of the NOL for both professional recognition and accurate data collection informing utilisation.”

The ABS is expected to release the final Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) next month.

View the National Occupation List here.

Media contact:

Jemma Altmeier, College Advocacy and Government Relations Manager; email: jemma.altmeier@paramedics.org; phone: 0409 911 681

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