Aged Care Reform Updates

Aged Care Reform Updates

  • Updated September 2025

What is the policy issue?

The Australian Government has finalised the Aged Care Rules ahead of the new Aged Care Act 2025, which takes effect from 1 November 2025.

The Rules provide the operational detail for how the new Act will work in practice. This includes clarity on provider obligations, service definitions, and the rights-based approach that underpins the reforms.

Although the Rules are now set, it will be the operational interpretation that we are monitoring. Each provider may interpret and apply the Rules slightly differently, and APodA will continue to monitor how this impacts podiatrists and podiatric care across Australia.

There is currently an indicative price that has been set for podiatry and many APodA members have advised that this is below market rate. Currently, this is not a price cap, however the Government will be looking at prices to the middle of 2026 in order to set a cap. This could have an impact on the viability of businesses to deliver services in aged care if this is not set at the right level.

What is APodA advocating for?

APodA has focused its advocacy on ensuring that:

  • The true cost of delivering podiatric care is understood and factored into aged care pricing.
  • Regional and rural challenges – such as workforce shortages, thin markets, and travel costs – are properly addressed.
  • The complexity of podiatric care is recognised, particularly when managing high-risk conditions like diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Workforce sustainability is supported, ensuring podiatry remains viable in aged care settings.
  • Flexibility of service delivery is maintained, whether in-home, in-clinic, or group settings.
  • Future pricing adjustments account for inflation, compliance costs, and increasing patient complexity.

What has APodA been doing?

  • Engaging in aged care reform processes to highlight podiatry’s essential role in maintaining mobility, independence, and preventing falls.
  • Advocating for the inclusion of podiatry’s unique compliance and equipment costs in pricing and funding models.
  • Raising awareness of the need to support the podiatry workforce across urban, regional, and remote areas.
  • Developing member resources to assist with preparation for reform changes, such as the Home Pricing Calculator which is designed to ensure that you are calculating all costs that make up a service APodA have developed a pricing calculator. We would encourage you to check this out on the website to assist in determining a client attributable price relevant to the service that you deliver.

What can members do?

Let us know at advocacy@podiatry.org.au if you are encountering challenges in preparing for these reforms. Your feedback helps us continue to advocate for clarity, practicality, and recognition of podiatry’s value in aged care.