Key Issues to be Resolved
Published: 26 August 2026
The outdoors helps Australians to live healthy and full lives, and the sector makes a significant contribution to our national economy.
As the Jobs and Skills Council for this important sector, HumanAbility has been undertaking the Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Qualification Review to ensure training delivers the skills the workforce needs.
We understand this review represents a crucial moment that will shape the future of outdoor recreation.
Industry representatives have expressed concerns to us about the qualification review. We are listening, and we have made the decision that this project will not proceed to the next stage until key issues are resolved.
The Outdoor Council of Australia* will host an industry-wide webinar on behalf of HumanAbility to share further information, discuss some of the issues raised, and provide an opportunity for the industry to ask questions. Details will be provided soon, and the session will be recorded and made available to those unable to attend.
We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has participated in this review to date. Your input is vital and will continue to inform our work to make sure Outdoor Recreation and Leadership qualifications are delivering the skills training that industry needs.
The Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Qualification Review will critically evaluate and update qualifications in the sector to ensure they align with current industry needs, regulatory requirements, safety, and wellbeing outcomes.
Click the link below to learn more …
Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Qualification ReviewDear industry colleagues,
The Outdoor Council of Australia welcomes HumanAbility’s decision not to progress the Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Qualification Review to its next stage until the key issues raised by industry have been resolved. This announcement was released by Emma King, CEO of HumanAbility on 26 August 2026.
These qualifications are critical to the future of outdoor recreation in Australia. It is essential that they reflect the realities of our sector and equip the workforce with the practical skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities our industry needs.
OCA supports HumanAbility’s decision to pause and listen. We see this as an important opportunity for industry and HumanAbility to work together constructively towards qualifications that are fit for purpose and support a safe, skilled and sustainable outdoor sector.
As part of this process, OCA will host an industry-wide webinar on behalf of HumanAbility. The session will provide further information about the review, discuss the issues raised and give members of the industry an opportunity to ask questions. Details will be shared shortly, and the webinar will be recorded for those unable to attend.
We thank everyone who has contributed to the review so far. Your experience, expertise and ongoing participation will be vital as this work progresses.
OCA looks forward to supporting HumanAbility and working alongside the wider industry to develop the Outdoor Recreation and Leadership qualifications our sector needs—now and into the future.
Kind regards,
Lori Modde
Chair
Outdoor Council of Australia
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