16 Sep 2026

RIMPA Global Advocacy Strengthens Recognition of the Profession

RIMPA Global’s advocacy is helping the Australian Bureau of Statistics better recognise the contemporary work of records and information managers.

Earlier this year, we recommended targeted changes to occupation 223935 Records or Information Manager in the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia. We asked the ABS to reflect the profession’s growing responsibilities across information governance, risk, digital systems, automation and emerging technologies.

The August 2026 consultation draft shows meaningful progress. Three new main tasks have been added to the occupation. These recognise that Records or Information Managers:

apply governance standards and frameworks to support analytics, data sharing and emerging technologies;
ensure recordkeeping procedures comply with security, encryption and data sovereignty requirements; and
ensure information remains reliable, secure, interoperable and fit for purpose across automated processes and digital systems.

The final addition closely reflects wording proposed by RIMPA Global. Together, the changes provide a stronger and more contemporary description of the profession without changing the occupation’s existing Skill Level 1 classification or shifting it towards an information technology or data science role.

There is still more work to do. The draft does not yet clearly recognise the professional advice, risk-based judgement and assurance responsibilities exercised by Records or Information Managers. These capabilities are essential when interpreting governance requirements, assessing information risk and advising organisations on appropriate controls.

RIMPA Global is therefore advocating for the ABS to add a further task recognising professional advice and assurance on information governance and risk in digital and distributed environments.

Accurate occupational descriptions matter. They influence how professional work is understood in national workforce data, skills planning and employment classification. This progress demonstrates the value of sustained advocacy and we will continue working to ensure the profession is recognised for the full contribution it makes.