A Singaporean In Australia

Congratulations on taking the first step to migration and getting out of your comfort zone. 

The difference between the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) in simple terms, is that occupations on the SOL are eligible for general migration, and the CSOL is only for state nomination - in other words, you have to choose a state and you will have an obligation to reside there for 2 years after you move. Being state nominated also gives you extra points on your application. 

You haven't mentioned if you have a preference for any particular state, so that might be something you want to think about. I would suggest going through the different Australian state CSOLs to see which state has your occupation, and which state sounds like a good match to your lifestyle (as far as I'm aware, your occupation Hair or Beauty Salon Manager is not on the SOL). 

I am aware, however, that the Northern Territory has your occupation on the CSOL, and you have a high chance of getting state sponsored if you have enough points. Do note that being state sponsored gives you extra points as well. 

could this the strange shopping  centre he was talking about?

If you google about the Northern Territory, you will probably have a whole lot of positive/politically correct reviews written by the government, and a mixed bag of reviews from migrants. In the end, it is all based on each individual's experience and advice, and it is up to you to assess whether it is the place for you or not. Nix has written a few pieces on the NT, but in short, its hot, small, and there's one shopping centre in the whole of Darwin (the state capital) but the people are nice and they all knock off at 5pm and drink beer and go fishing on weekends. Unemployment is low, and it is easier to get jobs here because Australians usually leave for bigger cities after a few years. 

You will be assessed on your occupation by VETASSESS. This is the "catch-all" agency that assesses all vocational occupations that don't have an accrediting body (for example, accountants have CPA Australia, etc), as such, there is less of a streamlined assessment process and it can get quite complicated and lengthy because of the different types of occupations they have to assess, and as we know, bureaucracy doesn't handle anything undefined within its boundaries well, because in having their morning teas and cohesion events, civil servants usually lose their judgement and critical thinking ability because they are too busy stuffing themselves with sausage rolls. 

Thus, I suggest, to save you plenty of time, you invest in getting good advice and help from a migration lawyer or agent in Singapore and treat the cost of the legal fees as an investment. I don't have the figures, but I'm sure a Beauty and Spa Manager here earns much more than you would in Singapore, particularly with 12 years of experience and you will easily recoup the $2-5k you spent on lawyer's fees. I googled CIDESCO and it seems to be internationally recognized with a presence in Australia, so it does seem quite positive. 

Below are some links that might be helpful to you:

Satki Yoda