The 2026 Census will be undertaken on August 11. This is when every Australian is counted. Up to now designers have not been counted properly – so to a significant degree we are ‘invisible’ in current Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Over the last two years the APDG has worked closely with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to reform our codes and to identify the correct code for every designer, so you and the work you do is properly identified.
It is absolutely essential that all Screen and Live Performance designers correctly identify themselves in the Census, using the codes and titles that the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognises. If you identify correctly the ABS can count you in to their data. This means they have correct numbers on our industry sectors when they are planning, and an organisation like the APDG has correct data, for example when we are applying for funding to support industry training packages.
These are the codes and descriptors you need to use on Census night, August 11. Please use the correct title, and quote the correct occupation number:
SCREEN DESIGNERS
Occupation 231437 Screen or Live Performance Designer
This covers art directors (screen), costume designers and production designers (screen).
If you worked in costume last week, you are recommend to specify: |
| Costume Designer |
| Costume Supervisor |
| Costume Standby |
| Costume Art Finisher |
| Costume Assistant |
| Costume Maker |
| Costume Buyer |
If you worked in the art department last week, you are recommend to specify: | |
| Production Designer, screen | Set Decorator, screen |
| Art Director, screen | Leadman, screen |
| Standby Art Director, screen | Buyer, screen |
| Assistant Art Director, screen | Set Dresser, screen |
| Art Department Coordinator, screen | Swing Gang, screen |
| Art Department Assistant, screen | Property Master, screen |
| Set Designer / Draftsperson, screen | Assistant Prop Master, screen |
| Concept Artist / Illustrator, screen | Prop Maker, screen |
| Graphic Designer, screen | Standby Props, screen |
| Storyboard Artist, screen | |
Occupation 392132 Hairdresser
Hair designers should specify: hair designer, screen
Occupation 461232 Make-up Artist
Make-up designers should specify: Make-up Artist, screen or Make-up artist, performing arts
* Designers designing both hair and makeup should use the code that represents the majority of their work.
LIVE PERFORMANCE DESIGNERS
Occupation 231437 Screen or Live Performance Designer
This covers costume designers, lighting designers, set designers and video designers for live performance.
If you worked in live performance last week, you are recommend to specify:
| Costume designers should specify: costume designer, live performance |
| Lighting designers should specify: lighting designer, live performance |
| Set designers should specify: set designer, live performance |
| Video designers should specify: video designer, live performance |
* Designers designing both sets and costumes should use the descriptor that represents the majority of their work
VIDEO GAMES DESIGNERS
Occupation 273131 Digital Games Developer
Video games designers should specify: Video Games Designer
