Advocating for Hairdressing: A Game-Changer for Salon Owners with the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

By Jenny Burns

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) has long been a leading voice in advocating for the hairdressing industry, ensuring that it remains wellsupported and recognised within Australia’s workforce.

One of the most significant recent achievements in this advocacy is the inclusion of Hairdressing on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), announced by the Australian Government on 7 December 2024.

This decision, part of a major overhaul of Australia’s skilled migration programs, creates new opportunities for salon owners to hire overseas talent. It also directly addresses the ongoing workforce shortages impacting the industry.

What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The CSOL is a modernised list aimed at addressing Australia’s workforce needs. It replaces the outdated occupation lists under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa program, removing distinctions between shortterm, medium-term, and regional occupations. The CSOL offers broader access to the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, facilitating businesses to sponsor skilled workers. Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy are now included, forming part of the foundation for the Skills in Demand visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa for permanent residency.

Why Hairdressing’s Inclusion Matters

Hairdressing’s previous listing on the Subclass 482 Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) created barriers for salon owners hiring skilled international workers. With hairdressing now on the CSOL, it is recognised as a critical occupation, offering businesses new pathways to sponsor skilled hairdressers and address labour shortages.

This shift reflects extensive industry consultation and years of advocacy by the AHC, ensuring hairdressing’s importance is recognised. The milestone is not just a victory for the AHC but for the entire industry, underlining the vital role it plays in Australia’s economy and society.

The AHC’s Advocacy and Collaboration

Securing hairdressing’s place on the CSOL was a significant achievement. Through its leadership, the AHC ensured that the specific needs of hairdressing businesses were considered when shaping migration and workforce policies.

Since 2019 the AHC has lobbied hard to ensure the needs of the Australian hair industry were seen and considered, when there was serious threat of hairdressing being taken off the Subclass 482 Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The AHC engaged in countless face-to-face meetings at Government House, turning up personally at every opportunity to present our case to key stakeholders and influencers including the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Skills Commission, the Department of Education and the Department of Employment & Workplace Relations.

How the CSOL Benefits Salon Business Owners

Before hairdressing was added to the CSOL, salon owners faced significant challenges in employing international workers. The process for skilled migration was complex and timeconsuming, and hairdressing was often excluded from the eligible occupations list, leaving owners with limited options. Now, with hairdressing included on the CSOL, hiring skilled overseas workers has become far more accessible.

With this change, salon owners can now sponsor skilled hairdressers through the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. This new visa streamlines the process, offering a direct pathway to address critical skill shortages in the hairdressing industry.

What is the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa?

The SID visa is part of the Australian government’s strategy to fill workforce gaps in high-demand industries. Offering several advantages over the previous TSS visa, the SID visa has a shorter work experience requirement (one year instead of two) and a potential pathway to permanent residency. It also provides greater flexibility for salon owners, as it allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for up to four years, with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency.

One of the many benefits of having multicultural communities when it comes to trades like hairdressing is the transference of skills. To be able to learn and pass on new techniques and skills from stylists across global hair industries is of great value to Australian hairdressing and barbering.

An important reminder that the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the SID visa is set at AUD$73,150 per year. This ensures that businesses are offering competitive salaries while attracting the right talent to fill critical roles in the industry.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

For salon owners, the CSOL inclusion and SID visa are game changers. These reforms directly address workforce shortages, making it easier to sponsor skilled overseas hairdressers. This is vital as Australia faces broader workforce challenges. Access to a global talent pool allows salon owners to fill positions, grow their businesses, and maintain high service standards.

The Role of AHC Membership in Driving Change

The AHC’s success in securing hairdressing’s place on the CSOL underscores the importance of collective action. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of AHC members. Salon owners, stylists, and industry advocates have all played a vital role in ensuring hairdressing is recognised as essential to Australia’s workforce.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for industry professionals to stay engaged with the AHC’s work. By joining the AHC, salon owners ensure the ongoing strength of the profession’s voice and contribute to continued progress in addressing workforce challenges.

Looking Ahead

The SID visa and CSOL inclusion are significant steps toward modernising Australia’s skilled migration system. These reforms create a more efficient, demand-driven process that aligns with industries like hairdressing. While this is a milestone, the AHC’s work continues. The Council will keep advocating for the industry’s needs, ensuring hairdressing remains central to Australia’s workforce.

Salon owners can now seize the opportunities created by the SID visa to fill skill gaps and secure the future of their businesses. As the hairdressing industry evolves, the AHC remains committed to supporting its members and helping the profession thrive.

If you would like to learn how the AHC can support your business visit theahc.org.au

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only. For specific legal or migration advice, please consult a registered migration agent or refer to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

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